Description
Creamy marry me chicken tortellini brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with its irresistible blend of tender chicken and cheesy pasta. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxurious sauce promise to make hearts flutter and taste buds dance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (20 ounces / 567 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage across each piece.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame, then sear chicken until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping the flavorful skillet remnants for the next stage.
- Introduce minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until its aromatic essence permeates the pan.
- Create a rich sauce by incorporating heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop deep flavors.
- Whisk Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Return chicken pieces to the skillet, allowing them to bathe in the luxurious sauce for 3-5 minutes.
- Simultaneously, cook tortellini in a separate pot according to package guidelines until perfectly tender.
- Drain tortellini and gently fold into the chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil or parsley over the top for a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
- Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender meat.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes to personal heat preference.
- Consider using fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for a more authentic, restaurant-quality taste.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Ensure sun-dried tomatoes are well-chopped to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Add extra Parmesan cheese for a richer, more intense cheese flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, swap tortellini with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s visual appeal and add a bright, fresh note.
- Keep the sauce simmering on low heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg