Autumn Chicken Dinner with Roasted Vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that feels festive and special without being complicated. The combination of roasted vegetables and juicy chicken makes it wholesome, while the tortellini and garlic butter sauce add a comforting, indulgent touch. I can prepare it for a family dinner or make it ahead for meal prep since it reheats beautifully. The versatility of this dish means I can serve it as a weeknight dinner or as part of a fall gathering.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Roasted Butternut Squash

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• salt and pepper

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• 12 oz Brussels sprouts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• salt and pepper

Chicken and Tortellini

• 9 oz cheese tortellini

• 1 lb chicken thighs, skinless and boneless

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• fresh thyme

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes.

2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 20–30 minutes.

3. Cook tortellini in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

4. Slice chicken thighs into thin strips. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Cook chicken in a single layer, 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook 5 more minutes or until done. Remove from skillet.

5. In the same skillet, melt butter and cook minced garlic for 1–2 minutes. Add tortellini and stir to coat in the garlic butter sauce.

6. Return chicken to the skillet and toss. Add roasted squash and Brussels sprouts, mixing everything together. Top with fresh thyme and adjust seasoning as needed.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 30 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook, for a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes swap the tortellini with gnocchi or penne pasta for a different texture.

• I like adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for extra richness.

• For a lighter version, I use chicken breast instead of thighs.

• I occasionally add roasted carrots or parsnips for more fall flavors.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm everything in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. It also reheats well in the microwave, but I prefer the skillet for better texture.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I can roast the vegetables and cook the chicken a day in advance, then reheat everything with the tortellini and garlic butter sauce before serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?

I don’t recommend freezing tortellini once it’s cooked because it can get mushy, but I can freeze the roasted veggies and chicken, then add freshly cooked pasta later.

What type of tortellini works best?

I like using cheese tortellini for its mild flavor, but spinach or mushroom tortellini also pair well with the roasted vegetables.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, I can simply leave out the chicken and use extra roasted vegetables or add chickpeas for protein.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

This Autumn Chicken Dinner with Roasted Vegetables is one of those recipes I keep coming back to each fall. The mix of smoky chicken, buttery pasta, and roasted seasonal vegetables makes it comforting and hearty, yet it’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight. I like serving it when I want a dish that feels both nourishing and special, and it always ends up being a family favorite.

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