Go Back
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper To make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken, gather all the ingredients. It's important to have fresh cheese tortellini for the best taste. You can use frozen tortellini if that’s what you have. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts work great. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Heavy cream adds a rich flavor. It makes the sauce creamy and smooth. You will also need some olive oil to cook the chicken and garlic. Garlic is key for flavor and aroma. Parmesan cheese brings a salty taste that pairs perfectly with the cream. Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal note. Lastly, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It adds color and freshness. If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes are a fun addition. Adjust salt and black pepper to your taste. With these ingredients, you can create a delightful meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Boiling Method: Fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini. Cook them until they float. This shows they are done. - Drain and Set Aside: Carefully drain the tortellini in a colander. Set them aside while you cook the chicken. - Seasoning the Chicken Breasts: Take the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This adds great flavor. - Cooking Time and Temperature: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and reach 165°F inside. - Sautéing Garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. Stir often to avoid burning. - Mixing Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Incorporating Tortellini and Chicken: Add the drained tortellini to the sauce. Toss gently to coat them well. Then fold in the sliced chicken. - Adjusting Seasoning for Flavor: Taste the dish. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat if you like. - Plate Presentation: Spoon the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini onto plates or a serving dish. - Optional Garnishes: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. For extra flair, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle more Parmesan on top. Enjoy your delicious meal! - Cooking Time Recommendations: To cook tortellini perfectly, boil them for 3-5 minutes. They are ready when they float. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. - Troubleshooting Undercooked Tortellini: If your tortellini is still firm, return it to boiling water. Cook for an extra minute and check again. - Seasoning Best Practices: Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides of the chicken. This enhances the flavor and makes every bite tasty. - Searing Techniques for Juicy Chicken: Heat olive oil until hot. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. This creates a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F. - Additional Flavor Boosts: For a richer taste, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs. These can elevate your dish and add unique flavors. - Avoiding Clumps in Cheese Sauce: To prevent clumps, add cheese slowly while stirring. Keeping the heat low helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To maintain moisture, ensure you check the internal temperature and avoid cooking beyond 165°F. Adjust Cream for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add more Parmesan for a richer texture. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish to suit your taste. - Shrimp or Salmon Alternatives: If you love seafood, try shrimp or salmon. Both cook fast and add a nice flavor. For shrimp, sauté them in the pan for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. For salmon, cook it for about 5-6 minutes on each side until it flakes easily. - Vegetarian Options: For a meat-free meal, use mushrooms or tofu instead. Mushrooms add rich umami, while tofu absorbs all the sauce flavors. Just sauté them until golden and add them to the dish. Adding vegetables can make the dish more colorful and healthy. - Spinach or Kale: Toss in fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking. They wilt quickly and add great nutrition. Just stir them in for a minute until they soften. - Peas or Asparagus: Sweet peas or crunchy asparagus also work well. For peas, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. For asparagus, chop it into bite-sized pieces and cook it with the chicken. You can make this dish even more exciting with some flavor tweaks. - Spicy Variations with Chili: If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili to the sauce. This gives a nice kick that balances the creamy sauce. - Zesty Lemon or Herb Additions: Brighten the dish with fresh lemon juice or zest. You can also add herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic touch. Just sprinkle them in when mixing the sauce for a fresh twist. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Always reheat gently to keep the flavors fresh. For best practices, cover the dish tightly. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir before serving to mix in any separated sauce. If you want to freeze prepped ingredients, cook the tortellini and chicken first. Let them cool completely. Then, pack them into freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, you can enjoy the dish later. For thawing and reheating, move the frozen meal to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of cream to loosen the sauce. In the fridge, Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can stay fresh for up to three months. Signs of spoilage include an off smell and a change in color. If you see mold or if it feels slimy, it's best to discard it. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just follow these steps: - Boil the water with salt. - Add the frozen tortellini directly to the boiling water. - Cook for an extra minute or two. They might take longer than fresh ones. - Once they float, they are done. Using frozen tortellini saves time. It also keeps well in your freezer for a quick meal. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try these options: - Half-and-half works well for a lighter sauce. - Full-fat coconut milk gives a creamy texture and is dairy-free. - Greek yogurt can add richness with less fat, but mix it in off the heat. These substitutes keep the dish creamy and delicious, even if you're avoiding heavy cream. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer options made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Here are some tips: - Check the package for cooking times. They may differ from regular tortellini. - Ensure that all your other ingredients, like the chicken and spices, are gluten-free. This way, you enjoy the same great flavors without gluten. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the tortellini as directed and cool them completely. - Cook the chicken and slice it. Store it in the fridge. - Keep the sauce separate until you're ready to serve. When you’re ready to eat: - Reheat the chicken and tortellini. - Warm the sauce on low heat, then combine everything. This makes for a quick and tasty meal when you're short on time! In this blog post, we explored a delicious Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken recipe. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to perfect the dish. I highlighted ways to customize it with different proteins or veggies. You learned how to store leftovers for freshness and answers to common questions. Cooking is fun and rewarding. This recipe makes a tasty meal that is easy to modify. Enjoy creating your version of this creamy dish!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

A creamy and flavorful dish featuring cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional Red pepper flakes for added heat

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Tortellini: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain the tortellini in a colander and set them aside.
  • Prepare the Chicken: While the tortellini is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season each side generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large, non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and beautifully golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into long strips.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gently pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. When the cream is warm, start adding the grated Parmesan cheese in small amounts, stirring until each addition melts into a smooth sauce.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure they are well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Then fold in the sliced chicken, allowing everything to heat together for a few minutes. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a kick if desired.
  • Serve: Spoon the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini onto individual plates or a serving platter, and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the plated dish and add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few red pepper flakes for visual appeal before serving.
Keyword chicken, garlic, Parmesan, pasta, tortellini