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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

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Short Description

Garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a rich garlic-infused Parmesan sauce. This one-pan meal is quick, easy, and perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
  • Rich and creamy – A luscious Parmesan garlic sauce coats every bite.
  • Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Customizable – Add veggies, spice, or swap proteins.
  • Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken and Tortellini:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
  • Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes
  • Mushrooms or bell peppers
  • Crumbled bacon for extra flavor

Directions

  1. Cook the chicken – Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Make the sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Simmer until smooth.
  3. Cook the tortellini – Add fresh or frozen tortellini directly to the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  4. Combine everything – Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
  5. Serve and enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
  • Lighter option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Vegetarian alternative – Omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or extra spinach.
  • Extra cheesy – Mix in shredded mozzarella or gouda for extra richness.
  • Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free tortellini and check that all ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Yes! Simply stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end.

What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese tortellini is ideal, but spinach or meat-filled tortellini also work well.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Add extra chicken broth or milk if needed while reheating.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can add a little cornstarch to thicken it.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, or bell peppers complement the flavors perfectly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the ingredients and cook just before serving for the best texture.

How do I get extra crispy chicken?

Sear the chicken over high heat for a golden crust before removing it from the pan.

Can I make this without Parmesan?

Yes! Try pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese as substitutes.

What’s the best side dish to serve with this?

A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great pairings.

How do I add more protein?

Mix in extra chicken, shrimp, or even cooked sausage.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich garlic-Parmesan sauce and tender chicken, this one-pan meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner!

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tortellini & Sauce:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp 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
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Return cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
  2. Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  2. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

  • Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or ½ tsp cayenne pepper.
  • Protein Swap: Use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
  • Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.

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