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There is just something utterly comforting and satisfying about a creamy pasta dish packed with tender chicken and rich flavors, which is exactly why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up on busy weeknights or when craving a cozy meal. This dish brings together plump cheese-filled tortellini, succulent garlic-spiced chicken, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce that makes every bite feel indulgent yet easy to prepare. If you love hearty, flavorful meals that come together fast, you are going to adore this recipe as much as I do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients—all chosen to create a fantastic balance of taste, texture, and aroma. Each component plays its part: the herbs and spices bring warmth, the cheese tortellini adds a delightful creaminess and bite, and the Parmesan cheese pulls everything together with a nutty richness.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick, even cooking and tender bites of protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps season and sauté the chicken perfectly without sticking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor subtly, complementing the fresh garlic later in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild savoury depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note for extra flavor complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat kick, if you’re feeling a little adventurous.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 20 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Provides those tender, cheesy pockets that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons butter: The base for the garlic sauce, giving the sauce luscious richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key to that vibrant, mouthwatering aroma and intensity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently creamy and velvety.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens and adds savory flavor to the sauce without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that melts into the sauce for signature umami goodness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal touch and lovely color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Used sparingly to balance the flavors considering the saltiness of Parmesan.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a final layer of gentle spiciness to the sauce.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing your cubed chicken breasts in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This seasoning blend ensures every bite bursts with flavor and sets the stage for a wonderfully aromatic dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan so the chicken browns nicely instead of steaming. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until pieces are golden and cooked through—internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside for now.
Step 3: Boil the Tortellini
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Throw in the cheese tortellini and cook as the package directs until they float to the surface and feel tender but still slightly firm. Drain well and set aside to join the savory fun shortly.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt your butter over medium heat and then add the minced garlic. Let it cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes, releasing its wonderful fragrance without letting it brown or burn. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, lowering the heat and stirring occasionally to mingle the flavors.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Once the cream mixture simmers, reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, fold your cooked chicken back into this luscious sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Finally, carefully add in the cooked tortellini and mix gently so the pasta soaks up all the cheesy goodness without becoming mushy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley to add brightness and color. Your homemade Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe is ready to delight your taste buds—serve right away with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, adding a fresh herbaceous pop and cheesy finish that keeps every mouthful exciting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but you can balance it with some crisp greens like a simple arugula or spinach salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs beautifully to help scoop up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe right in the skillet or transfer to a rustic serving dish for a cozy family-style meal. For a fun twist, try plating with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few roasted cherry tomatoes on top for burst of sweetness and color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they will stay fresh for up to three days. The tortellini will continue to soak up the sauce, becoming even more flavorful but a little softer in texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the tortellini to prevent mushiness. Freeze in airtight containers for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and prevent the cream from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well; just follow the package directions for cooking time and ensure they are fully heated before mixing with the sauce and chicken.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for thickening, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish that is just as satisfying.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add only a gentle hint of heat that complements the garlic and cheese—feel free to omit or adjust to your heat preference.
What’s the best way to warm leftovers without drying out the sauce?
Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a bit of broth or cream as needed. This keeps the sauce silky and prevents the chicken from becoming tough.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the comfort and joy you get from making and sharing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough to serve when you want to impress loved ones with your culinary skills. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your household just like it is in mine!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a rich, creamy, and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender cubed chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 20 oz package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, lightly browned, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Boil the Tortellini: While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3 to 5 minutes) until the tortellini float and are tender. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer while stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that Parmesan adds saltiness, so start with small amounts and adjust as desired.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Add Tortellini: Gently fold in the cooked tortellini to the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated in the creamy sauce. Heat over low for a few minutes to meld flavors, careful not to overcook and make the pasta mushy.
- Finish with Parsley and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes quantity based on your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Do not overcook tortellini after combining to avoid mushy texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
