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Parmesan chicken meatloaf tortellini served on white plate with marinara sauce, melted cheese, cheese tortellini, and fresh basil garnish

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Tortellini

chef Laya
This Parmesan chicken meatloaf tortellini combines juicy ground chicken meatloaf patties with tender cheese tortellini in a bubbling marinara-Parmesan sauce. One-skillet cooking delivers Italian comfort food flavors in just 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknight family dinners.
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Prepr Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 25 minutes
ToTal Time 40 minutes
Type of plate main dish
kitchen American, Italian-Inspired
Serving 4

Ingredients
  

Chicken Meatloaf Patties:

  • 1 lb 450g ground chicken (85% lean)
  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

Tortellini & Sauce:

  • 9 oz 250g refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups marinara sauce jarred or homemade
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach optional
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Make meatloaf mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ½ cup Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined.

Form patties

  • Divide mixture into 8 small patties (about 2½ inches diameter). Patties cook faster than a full loaf.

Brown chicken

  • Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Push to sides of skillet (they don't need to be fully cooked yet).

Cook tortellini

  • While chicken browns, boil tortellini in salted water 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain well.

Assemble skillet

  • Add tortellini to skillet center. Pour marinara sauce over everything. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining ¼ cup Parmesan on top. Add spinach if using.

Simmer to finish

  • Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), cheese melts, and sauce bubbles.

Serve

  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve family-style from skillet with garlic bread.

Notes

Nutritional Benefits (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • High Protein: ~30g from chicken + cheese supports muscle repair
  • Calcium: Parmesan/mozzarella provide bone-healthy calcium (~25% DV)
  • Complete meal: Balanced protein + carbs + veggies in one pan
  • Lean protein: Ground chicken lower in saturated fat than beef
  • Lycopene: From marinara sauce supports heart health
Lower calorie option: Use ground chicken breast, low-fat cheese, zucchini noodles instead of tortellini.