Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet surprisingly simple dish to wow your dinner guests or just treat yourself on a weeknight, look no further. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe brings together tender, flavorful chicken with rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked cheese tortellini. Every bite is a harmonious blend of garlicky goodness, cheesy delight, and savory herbs that create a meal you’ll want on repeat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing an essential role. From the juicy chicken cubes that add protein and heartiness to the luscious creamy Parmesan sauce, every element works together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken perfectly and adds a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Builds a base of garlic flavor that complements the fresh minced garlic later.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle depth and sweetness to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings in a hint of Mediterranean herbaceousness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.
- 20 oz package of refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta component, tender and stuffed with creamy cheese.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich, silky base for the garlic sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the sauce’s richness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: The ultimate cheesy finish that brings everything together.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, bright note and a splash of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Adjusts seasoning to perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle spice.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken cubes with olive oil and a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This seasoning combo ensures every piece is infused with savory goodness. Heat your skillet until hot, then add the chicken in a single layer, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. This step creates a flavorful foundation with tender, juicy bites.
Step 2: Cook the Cheese Tortellini
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the cheese tortellini and cook until they float to the surface and reach that perfect tender texture—usually just a few minutes. Drain them well to avoid any sogginess later, setting them aside to join the party in the skillet soon.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet (hello, flavor retention!), melt your butter over medium heat before adding the fresh minced garlic. Cook it just long enough to release its fragrant aroma without burning—this step ensures the sauce is bursting with garlicky notes. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer before stirring in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season thoughtfully with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give it a good stir to coat all those tender chunks in the luscious sauce. Now, gently fold in your cooked tortellini, making sure every piece is enveloped in the creamy garlic Parmesan goodness. Let everything heat through on low heat for a couple of minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully, being careful not to overcook the tortellini to keep its perfect texture.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve
Remove your skillet from the heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a bright contrast to the richness. Plate it up, then sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and more parsley on top if you like—this final touch makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley really do wonders. They add a lovely contrast in texture and a fresh herby kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. A little cracked black pepper over the top also provides an inviting aroma right before you dig in.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to pair it thoughtfully, consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli to introduce some brightness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm focaccia could also be lovely to mop up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini right from the skillet at the table. This rustic style encourages sharing and conversation. Alternatively, portion it into individual bowls and garnish with a Parmesan crisp or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making for easy next-day meals that taste just as delightful.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing portions in freezer-safe containers. Use within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the creamy sauce intact.
Reheating
Gently reheat your leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and preserve the silky texture that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini can be used and just may require a minute or two longer to cook. Just make sure to cook until tender and drain well before adding to the sauce.
Is it possible to use another type of protein?
Yes! While chicken is classic here, feel free to substitute with shrimp, sausage, or even cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Nutritional yeast can be a good substitute for Parmesan cheese’s flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the tortellini?
Keep a close eye on the tortellini while boiling and cook just until they float to the surface. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta that will detract from the dish’s texture.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can season and cook the chicken ahead of time and even prepare the sauce up to the simmering stage. Just combine everything shortly before serving for the freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe is the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and approachable, a perfect mix for busy nights or special occasions. Its creamy, garlicky sauce with tender chicken and cheese-filled pasta never fails to delight. I encourage you to try making this at home and watch it become a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire. Once you do, it might just end up as your go-to comfort food for years to come.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe combines tender cubed chicken breast cooked with aromatic garlic and herbs, tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce alongside cheese-filled tortellini. Ready in about 40 minutes, this hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal.
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
- 20 oz package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 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 freshly ground black pepper. Toss well 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 (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Boil the Tortellini: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, about 3-5 minutes, until tortellini float and are tender. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to combine.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, remembering that Parmesan adds saltiness already.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces evenly with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Add Tortellini to Sauce: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the skillet, thoroughly coating the pasta with the sauce and chicken.
- Heat Through: Continue to cook over low heat for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld together, taking care not to overcook the tortellini to avoid mushiness.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh note.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Do not overcook the tortellini once combined with sauce to keep perfect texture.
- Adjust the amount of salt carefully as Parmesan cheese is naturally salty.
- For a spicier kick, include the optional red pepper flakes.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted or complemented with basil for variation.
- Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly, monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
