Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe for Dinner Magic

Creamy, comforting cheesy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini beckons with irresistible charm.

This mouthwatering dish combines tender pasta and juicy chicken in a luxurious sauce that dances with flavor.

Aromatic garlic weaves its magic through every single bite, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Parmesan cheese adds a delightful sharpness that elevates the entire meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a rich, indulgent experience that satisfies deep hunger and culinary cravings.

The recipe blends simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.

Warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious, this tortellini promises to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 635 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and absorbs delicious seasonings perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic blend that infuses classic Mediterranean flavors into the meat.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavor and helps with seasoning penetration.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and complements the chicken's savory profile.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic essence without overwhelming the dish.

• Tortellini: Ring-shaped pasta filled with cheese, creating delightful pockets of creamy goodness.
• Salt (for boiling water): Seasons pasta from the inside out during cooking process.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for creating velvety sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh ingredient that releases intense, aromatic flavor when sautéed.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances overall savory undertones.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and adds complex flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spiciness.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh, herbal note.
• Italian Seasoning: Complementary herb blend that ties all flavors together.

Cooking Tools For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Pot: Needed to boil tortellini with salted water.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Useful for prepping and seasoning chicken.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting chicken and chopping parsley.
• Colander: Helps drain tortellini after cooking.

Steps To Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a skillet with olive oil and cook chicken pieces until golden and perfectly done. Season with bold spices to create a mouthwatering flavor profile that makes your taste buds dance.

• Boil the Tortellini

Drop tortellini into bubbling water and cook until they float to the surface, looking plump and delicious. Drain and set aside, ready to join the flavor party.

• Craft the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet and awaken the garlic’s aroma. Pour in cream and broth, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a silky, rich masterpiece. Let it simmer and thicken, creating a luxurious coating.

• Marry the Ingredients

Reunite the chicken and tortellini in the skillet, gently tossing them in the velvety sauce. Allow the flavors to mingle and become best friends for a few minutes.

• Plate and Celebrate

Sprinkle fresh herbs and extra Parmesan on top. Serve immediately and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Tips To Know

• Creamy Sauce Rescue: If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water. Stir gently to maintain the smooth consistency.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for a delightful twist on the original recipe. Each alternative brings its own unique flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Magic: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Vegetarian Delight: Omit chicken and use mushrooms or roasted vegetables as a hearty alternative. Add extra herbs and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for depth of flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth or go bold with a generous shake for spice lovers.

How To Dish Out Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this creamy tortellini dish with crisp, fresh accompaniments that complement its rich profile.
• Weekend Family Favorite: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Add roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a bright mixed green salad to balance the dish's creamy texture and enhance nutritional value.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the sauce's richness and elevate the overall dining experience.

Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Easily

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh and preventing bacterial growth. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Microwave works too – cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Separate chicken and tortellini from sauce to prevent soggy texture when thawing. Defrost overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Meal Prep Hack: Prepare extra chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store components separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Mix fresh tortellini when ready to serve, creating a quick weeknight dinner solution that saves time and reduces kitchen stress.

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Garlic parmesan chicken tortellini brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Cheese-laden pasta and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that will delight everyone at the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a vibrant blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, strategically browning chicken pieces until a golden crust develops, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Pasta Preparation: Bring salted water to a vigorous boil, submerge tortellini, and cook until they float and reach perfect al dente texture, then drain while reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
4. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and quickly saute minced garlic. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to create a silky base. Gradually integrate Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously to prevent lumping.
5. Flavor Fusion: Simmer the sauce for 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop rich, complex flavors. Reintroduce the seared chicken and cooked tortellini, gently tossing to ensure complete coating with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
6. Finishing Touch: Warm the mixture for an additional 2 minutes, letting flavors harmonize. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Seasoning: Generously rub seasonings directly onto chicken surface for deeper flavor penetration, ensuring each piece absorbs maximum taste before cooking.
• Prevent Tortellini Sticking: Stir tortellini immediately after adding to boiling water and occasionally during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure uniform texture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Keep reserved pasta water handy to adjust sauce thickness if needed – a splash can help thin or smooth out the creamy Parmesan sauce without compromising flavor.
• Temperature Management: Maintain medium-high heat when searing chicken and low-medium when simmering sauce to prevent burning and preserve delicate cream-based sauce quality.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 888mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 134mg