Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

$To make this dish, you need these key ingredients: - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and creamy meal. The tortellini brings a delightful cheesy flavor, while the chicken adds protein. The garlic and Parmesan make a sauce that is hard to resist. You can add extra flavor with these options: - Red pepper flakes (for heat) Using red pepper flakes gives the dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount to your taste for a little spice. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for quick prep. - Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce. - Try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option. - Use vegetable broth instead of olive oil for a lighter sauté. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while fitting different diets or needs. Enjoy experimenting with what you have on hand! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need a large pot of water. Bring it to a boil. Add salt to the water. This helps flavor the tortellini. Then, add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini. Cook them until they float. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Drain them well and set aside. While the tortellini cooks, prepare the chicken. Take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat them well. This adds great flavor. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium heat for this. Add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips. In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Now, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. Be careful not to burn it, as it can turn bitter. Lower the heat and pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir constantly to mix. Once it's warm, add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into a smooth sauce. Next, add the cooked tortellini. Toss them gently to coat with the sauce. Finally, fold in the sliced chicken. Heat everything through and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. To serve, divide the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini among plates. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight! To get a great sauce, start with the right heat. Use medium heat when you add the cream. This keeps it warm without boiling. Stir often to mix in the cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps make it creamy and smooth. To keep your chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Cook each side for just 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps the juices stay inside. Slice it just before mixing with the sauce. When cooking tortellini, don’t rush. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the tortellini and wait until they float. This means they are done. Drain them gently to avoid breaking. Toss them with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking together. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor. Always choose the best ingredients you can find for the best results. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) without drying out. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half-and-half. For a richer flavor, add more Parmesan cheese. Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Simply toss them in while making the sauce to let them wilt and blend. {{image_2}} You can add more veggies to your dish. Try spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Cook them in the skillet after the garlic. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. The creamy sauce pairs well with the fresh veggies. It makes the dish even more tasty and healthy. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Mix them into the garlic while cooking. You can also use fresh chili peppers for extra spice. This gives the dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat level preference. It’s a fun way to change up the flavor! Want to switch proteins? Shrimp and tofu are great options. For shrimp, cook them in the skillet with the garlic. For tofu, use firm tofu and sauté it until golden. Both options give a different texture and taste. They keep the dish light yet satisfying. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water. Heat over low until warmed through. This keeps the sauce creamy and tasty. To freeze your dish, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above. Enjoy your meal again! You can use a mix of chicken broth and milk instead of cream. Start by heating 1 cup of chicken broth in a pan. Add 1 cup of milk slowly while stirring. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until it melts. This gives you a creamy sauce without using heavy cream. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the tortellini and chicken, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in the fridge, too. When ready to serve, heat the sauce, mix in the tortellini and chicken, and enjoy! You can serve Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with a simple salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, adds color and nutrition. A light white wine also pairs well with this rich dish. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken and use vegetables instead. You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Cook the veggies in the pan after sautéing the garlic. Then, add the tortellini and sauce as usual. This blog post covers how to make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, tips for best results, and tasty variations. You found out how to store and reheat leftovers, along with answers to common questions. In closing, cooking this dish is simple and rewarding. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy your delicious meal!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

A creamy and flavorful dish featuring cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz cheese tortellini
2 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
optional red pepper flakes

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While the tortellini is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Once the cream is heated through, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Gently fold in the sliced chicken, allowing everything to heat through. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve: Divide the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini among plates, garnishing with fresh parsley on top.

Notes

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Keyword chicken, garlic, parmesan, pasta, tortellini