The Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe You’ll Love

Nestled in my kitchen, this garlic parmesan chicken tortellini transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

Creamy sauce coats each tender pasta pocket with rich, savory notes.

Cheese melts into delicate folds, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together on busy weeknights.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of hearty chicken and luxurious parmesan.

Mediterranean herbs add a subtle, aromatic touch that makes the recipe special.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious morsel – this meal will become your new weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Want Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Again

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This recipe delivers a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow for simple substitutions like using different pasta shapes or adding extra vegetables, making it adaptable for various dietary preferences and pantry contents.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and soft tortellini creates a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using just one skillet means less washing up, transforming dinnertime from a chore into a stress-free cooking experience that leaves more time for enjoying your meal and connecting with loved ones.

Everything You Need For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Chicken: Tender protein base that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta providing a comforting and satisfying element.

• Butter: Rich base for creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and classic Italian flavor profile.

• Salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and warmth.
• Garlic Powder: Offers concentrated garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Authentic herb blend with classic Mediterranean notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle, optional spicy kick.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish with vibrant green color.
• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the sauce.

How To Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Easily

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

• Chicken pieces
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle the chicken with seasonings, ensuring each piece gets a flavor boost. Toss the chicken into the hot skillet and cook until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Watch for those crispy edges that scream deliciousness! Cook until the chicken is perfectly done, then scoot it to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Pillows

Grab a pot of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil and drop in the tortellini. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Once they’re floating and plump, drain the pasta and set aside. Those little cheese-filled pockets are about to become magic!

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer and thicken. Watch it transform into a luxurious coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Reunite the chicken and tortellini in the skillet. Gently toss everything in the creamy sauce, making sure each piece gets a perfect flavor coating. Let it all mingle and get cozy for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and shower with extra Parmesan cheese. Slide this masterpiece onto plates and get ready for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Pair with crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Pro Tip: This dish is even more spectacular when shared with friends and family. Get ready for some serious compliments!

Helpful Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Perfectly Season Chicken: Use a blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create a deeply flavored coating that enhances the chicken's taste and locks in moisture.
• Avoid Overcooking Tortellini: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture, ensuring each bite remains tender and maintains its delicate filling.
• Create a Silky Smooth Sauce: Slowly incorporate Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a creamy, velvety sauce that coats the tortellini and chicken evenly.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternatives for a lighter version, and use gluten-free tortellini to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with additional herbs like basil or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste that elevates the entire dish.

Best Way To Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Refrigerate leftover chicken tortellini in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the dish tightly to preserve its creamy texture and prevent moisture loss.
• Prevent sauce separation by storing the tortellini and sauce together, which helps maintain its original flavor and consistency.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce's smoothness.
• Gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pasta tough and sauce grainy.
• Freeze the tortellini for maximum 2 months in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best taste and texture.

Tasty Matches For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors perfectly.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the heavy, cheesy tortellini dish, balancing the meal's richness.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a delightful crunch that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Choose Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing, bubbly drink cleanses the palate between bites and helps cut through the creamy texture of the chicken tortellini.

Different Ways To Enjoy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning for za'atar, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Creamy Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using vegetable broth to maintain rich flavor profile.
• Seafood Lover's Edition: Substitute chicken with succulent shrimp or tender white fish, incorporating lemon zest and fresh dill to enhance oceanic notes.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi instead of tortellini, keeping the luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce intact for a lighter meal.

Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Questions Answered

• Why use Italian seasoning in this recipe?

Italian seasoning adds a complex, herbaceous flavor profile that perfectly complements the chicken and creates depth in the Parmesan sauce. It typically contains herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking it from scratch?

Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, you can dice it and add it directly to the sauce. Just ensure the chicken is heated through before serving. This can save time and still deliver delicious results.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini works great for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a lighter version, use milk and add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce. The key is maintaining a creamy texture that coats the tortellini and chicken.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken tortellini brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with rich, creamy flavors. Rich cheese and tender chicken combine perfectly, promising a delightful meal that satisfies hungry palates.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon additional Italian seasoning

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 (20 ounces) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by generously coating with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is thoroughly seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface perfect for achieving a golden-brown exterior on the chicken pieces.
3. Cook chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning and complete internal cooking. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm.
4. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully add tortellini and cook according to package recommendations until they float and reach an al dente texture.
5. Drain tortellini thoroughly, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid if needed for sauce consistency.
6. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter, creating a rich base for the sauce. Add minced garlic and quickly saute until its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen.
7. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking together to create a smooth, velvety liquid foundation for the sauce.
8. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a uniform, creamy consistency.
9. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 minutes, watching it thicken and develop deep, complex flavors.
10. Reintroduce the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is lavishly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
11. Let the mixture warm through for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and meld together beautifully.
12. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
13. Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a crisp, refreshing side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing richness.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt added during seasoning to make the dish heart-friendly.
• Choose whole wheat or spinach tortellini for added fiber and nutrients, boosting the overall nutritional profile of the meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg