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
- 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)
Instructions
- Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a vibrant blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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