Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini is a delicious frozen Italian-style filled pasta. It contains tortellini stuffed with a ricotta cheese filling, pieces of chicken, prosciutto ham, and spinach in a Parmesan cream sauce. This tasty tortellini provides a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
The tortellini can be prepared in several different ways – boiled, baked, sautéed, or microwaved. No matter which cooking method you choose, it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare once the water is boiling or the oven is preheated. The result is a restaurant-quality pasta dish with complex flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini contains the following ingredients:
- Tortellini pasta (durum wheat flour, eggs, spinach, ricotta cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], Romano cheese [part skim cow’s milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], chicken, prosciutto cotto [cooked ham], water, modified tapioca starch, salt, black pepper)
- Cream sauce (water, cream [milk], Parmesan cheese [milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], modified corn starch, butter [cream, salt], salt, white pepper)
The filled tortellini and creamy Parmesan sauce provides a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The smooth ricotta filling contrasts nicely with the hearty chicken and savory prosciutto.
Recommended Tools
Cooking Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini is simple, but having the right tools can make the process easier:
- Large pot with lid for boiling water – A 6 qt pot works well.
- Colander for draining pasta
- Skillet for sautéing or baking
- Microwave-safe bowl for microwave cooking
- Measuring cups for sauce
- Ladle for serving tortellini and sauce
The only special Buitoni product-specific tool recommended is a microwave-safe bowl if cooking in the microwave. The tortellini bag is not microwave-safe.
How to Boil
Boiling is the traditional preparation method for stuffed pasta like tortellini. Here are step-by-step instructions for boiling Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Use at least 6 cups of water per serving of tortellini.
- Once boiling, carefully add the tortellini to the pot. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tortellini floats to the top and is plump and tender.
- Drain immediately in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
- Return tortellini to pot and add cream sauce. For each 10 oz package of tortellini, use 1/2 cup cream sauce. Stir gently to coat.
- Heat through until hot and serve immediately. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
The key tips for perfect boiled tortellini are using a large pot of water, cooking only until tender yet firm, draining well, and gently stirring in the sauce without overcooking.portion to each person
Serving Size
Each 10 oz package of Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini provides approximately 4 servings. Use the following serving sizes as a guideline:
| Number of People | Tortellini Package Size | Cream Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 oz | 1/2 cup |
| 3-4 | 10 oz | 1/2 cup |
| 5-6 | 2 x 10 oz | 1 cup |
Adjust the number of tortellini packages as needed to serve more or fewer people. Allow approximately 2-3 oz uncooked tortellini per person.
How to Bake
For a crispier texture, Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini can be prepared in the oven. Here is how:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Boil tortellini according to package directions until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Toss tortellini gently with cream sauce, using 1/2 cup sauce per 10 oz package.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the top if desired.
- Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Baking gives the tortellini a slightly caramelized, crunchy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender. Be careful not to overbake or the pasta may become tough.
How to Sauté
For a more robust flavor, consider sautéing the boiled tortellini in sauce and olive oil.
- Boil tortellini per package directions until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain well and set aside.
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add drained tortellini and sauté for 1 minute, stirring gently.
- Stir in cream sauce, using 1/2 cup per 10 oz tortellini package. Cook for 2-3 minutes until hot and well coated.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Sautéing infuses the tortellini with nutty olive oil flavor. Be careful not to overcook when sautéing.
How to Microwave
For a quick weeknight dinner, Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini can be prepared in the microwave. Follow these steps:
- Place tortellini in a microwave-safe bowl. Do not microwave in the bag.
- Add 1/4 cup water and cover with plastic wrap or a paper plate.
- Microwave on HIGH power for 2 minutes until hot.
- Carefully remove from microwave and add cream sauce, using 1/2 cup per 10 oz package.
- Stir gently to coat tortellini with sauce.
- Microwave on HIGH for 1 more minute until heated through.
- Let stand 2 minutes before serving.
The microwave produces a very quick yet satisfying meal with minimal cleanup required. Be cautious of steam when removing the plastic wrap or paper plate cover.
Microwave Power Settings
Microwave cooking times may vary based on the wattage of your appliance. Refer to the chart below for recommended cooking times based on microwave power:
| Microwave Power | Step 2 Time | Step 6 Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1000W (High) | 2 minutes | 1 minute |
| 850W | 2 minutes 15 seconds | 1 minute 15 seconds |
| 700W | 2 minutes 30 seconds | 1 minute 30 seconds |
| 600W | 3 minutes | 2 minutes |
Adjust cook times up or down if necessary based on your individual microwave. The tortellini should be hot and the cheese sauce melted.
Storage
Properly stored, Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini will maintain optimal flavor and texture for later use. Here are some tips:
- Uncooked – Leave tortellini in sealed original bag. Place bag in freezer if not using within 4 months. Fully thaw in refrigerator before cooking.
- Leftovers – Place cooked tortellini and sauce in airtight container in refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3-5 days.
- Reheating – Microwave leftovers with a splash of water or cream to loosen texture. Sautéing or baking also work well.
Avoid prolonged storage at room temperature or reheating more than once for food safety. Tortellini texture suffers with extended refrigeration. For best results, cook only what you will consume at one meal.
Recipe Ideas
Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini is delicious as is, directly from the package instructions. However, you can also incorporate it into more complex recipes:
- Soup – Add boiled tortellini to chicken or tomato soup.
- Salad – Chill leftover tortellini to toss with lettuce, vegetables, and Italian dressing.
- Skillet – Sauté tortellini with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese.
- Bake – Toss with marinara sauce and mozzarella and bake as a casserole.
- Kabobs – Skewer tortellini and vegetables for a fun presentation.
Mix and match tortellini with your favorite ingredients for endless possibilities. Just remember to lightly cook the pasta before incorporating into recipes to avoid mushy overcooked tortellini.
Tips for Success
Here are some top tips for successfully cooking tender, flavorful Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini every time:
- Bring water to a full rolling boil before adding tortellini. This prevents gummy, stuck-together pasta.
- Don’t overcook. Remove from heat or water as soon as the pasta is tender.
- Drain immediately after cooking. Don’t let tortellini sit in hot water.
- Gently stir in cream sauce after cooking. Don’t overmix or the filling will fall out.
- Add any vegetables, cheeses, or ingredients after sauce. Cooking again risks overcooking.
- Use leftover tortellini within 3-5 days and reheat gently to maintain texture.
When prepared properly, Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini is a quick and easy route to an impressive Italian pasta meal the whole family will request again and again.
Nutrition Information
Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini is a relatively nutritious meal option in the frozen foods aisle. Here is the nutrition data per 1 cup prepared tortellini:
| Calories | Total Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|
| 330 | 14g | 790mg |
Each serving provides 20g of protein and 7g of fiber. The tortellini offers a lighter pasta choice compared to heavy cream or cheese-based frozen pasta entrees.
The sodium content is moderate at 33% of the daily value. Those restricting sodium intake may want to season lightly or reduce portion sizes.
Overall, Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini allows you to serve a gourmet-like pasta meal at home with convenience and nutrition in mind. Follow the package cooking instructions and add your own touch for a sensational home-cooked dinner any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini:
Is it ok to cook the tortellini from frozen?
Yes, you can add frozen Buitoni tortellini directly to boiling water. An extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time may be needed. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.
Can I prepare the entire bag at once?
It is not recommended to cook the entire 20 oz bag of tortellini in one batch. Cook in smaller batches to control timing and prevent overcooking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for later use.
Do I need to use the entire sauce pouch?
No, you can use a portion of the cream sauce and reserve the rest for another use. Stir well before using to evenly distribute spices and cornstarch. Cover and refrigerate leftover sauce.
How long does cooked tortellini last in the fridge?
Cooked and sauced Buitoni tortellini will keep for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat gently before serving leftovers.
Can I freeze cooked tortellini?
Freezing cooked pasta dishes is not recommended. The texture tends to suffer when thawed. Cook only what you will consume within a few days and refrigerate any leftovers.
Conclusion
Buitoni chicken and prosciutto tortellini puts an easy gourmet twist on weeknight dinners. With just boiling water and a few minutes cook time, you can serve up restaurant-worthy stuffed pasta entrées customized with your favorite flavors. Follow the package instructions and incorporate the pre-cooked tortellini into soups, salads, bakes, or skillet dishes for endless recipe inspiration ideal for family meals any night of the week.