Description
Marry me chicken tortellini brings creamy Italian-inspired comfort to dinner tables across kitchens. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create an irresistible meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and sliced)
- 1/2 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 tbsps cream cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by generously coating with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to ensure deep flavor penetration.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and quickly sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence. Introduce sun-dried tomatoes and briefly cook to enhance their rich, concentrated flavor.
- Create the luxurious sauce by whisking chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smoothly integrated. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and thyme for subtle complexity. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a velvety consistency.
- Enhance sauce texture by incorporating cream cheese and butter, stirring until completely melted. Gently fold in baby spinach, allowing it to wilt and add vibrant color and nutritional depth.
- Simultaneously cook tortellini in a separate pot according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain pasta thoroughly.
- Reunite all components by returning chicken to the skillet and delicately folding in cooked tortellini, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Elevate presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves on top and serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more complex taste compared to pre-packaged options.
- For gluten-free version, swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce.
- Lower sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt during seasoning.
- Add extra protein by incorporating grilled shrimp or crispy pancetta alongside chicken.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and prevent overcooking any component.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg