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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain tortellini thoroughly, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid if needed for sauce consistency.
- 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.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking together to create a smooth, velvety liquid foundation for the sauce.
- Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a uniform, creamy consistency.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 minutes, watching it thicken and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is lavishly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Let the mixture warm through for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and meld together beautifully.
- Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
- 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