1-Preparation and Seasoning: First, prepare your ingredients by slicing the chicken breast, onions, and green bell peppers into thin, uniform strips. This ensures even cooking and helps the flavors meld together beautifully. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to create your chicken seasoning mix.

2-Preheat your griddle or a large skillet to medium-high heat. The high heat will help create a nice sear on the chicken and vegetables, adding depth to the final dish.

3-Cooking the Vegetables: Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on the hot griddle or skillet. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, seasoning them with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Allow the vegetables to cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

Here’s a pro tip: add a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to the pan with the vegetables and cover for a minute or two. This steaming method helps soften the onions and peppers more quickly while retaining their vibrant color and nutrients.

4-Cooking the Chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, move to another section of your griddle or use a separate pan. Drizzle a little more olive oil and add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

5-Bringing It All Together: Once both the chicken and vegetables are cooked, combine them in the center of your griddle or in one large skillet. Lower the heat to medium. Add a small drizzle of oil, then arrange the frozen tortellini in a single layer.

Squirt about 1/2 cup of water over the tortellini and cover the pan. Let everything steam together for about five minutes. If you’re using shelf-stable tortellini instead of frozen, you’ll need to add a bit more water and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Once the tortellini has softened, it’s time for the magic ingredient. Drizzle your desired amount of Southwest Ranch sauce over the skillet and stir gently to coat everything evenly. The sauce will bring all the components together, creating a creamy, flavorful coating that infuses every bite with Southwest goodness.

Your Southwest Ranch Chicken Tortellini is now ready to serve! Plate it immediately while hot, perhaps with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to impress everyone at your table.