If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing main dish that practically invites loved ones to the table, you’ll adore Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. This recipe takes pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy golden chicken, and wraps everything in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. Each bite bursts with creamy, savory flavor, yet it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini delivers all the cozy vibes you crave, and it just might become your new go-to pasta dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create pure pasta bliss. Every component, from the creamy sauce to the savory chicken and tender tortellini, plays a key role in building the flavor foundation of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.
- Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and infuses a subtle richness into the skillet.
- Chicken Breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook up juicy and tender, making every forkful satisfying.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The essential seasonings for perking up all the savory notes in the dish.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is the star aromatic, providing a mouthwatering foundation to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The magic behind that ultra-creamy, dreamy sauce you’ll want to lick off your spoon.
- Parmesan Cheese: The namesake! Freshly grated is best for melting into the sauce and amping up the umami.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds classic herbal warmth, bringing the whole dish together in one harmonious note.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch gives a gentle heat; adjust to taste or skip for a milder version.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: The ultimate shortcut for cheese-filled, pillowy perfection that cooks up fast.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green freshness brightens up the finished pasta.
- Extra Parmesan (for serving): Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Give those chicken pieces a good sprinkle of salt and pepper, then lay them in the hot pan. Let them sizzle until they’re golden and irresistibly juicy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once they’re cooked through, scoop them out and set aside. Don’t worry about the tasty browned bits left behind—those are pure flavor magic for the sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Turn the heat down a notch to medium and toss the minced garlic right into the same skillet. Stir it around for about a minute, until it smells wonderfully fragrant but hasn’t browned. That garlic will infuse every drop of sauce with its unmistakable deliciousness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Now, pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Let the sauce bubble softly for 3 or 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up slightly and becomes silky smooth. This is when Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini starts smelling absolutely irresistible!
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Gently add the cheese tortellini straight into the sauce. Let them cook according to package directions, usually about 5 to 6 minutes. As they soften, they’ll soak up all that garlicky, cheesy goodness. Give them a gentle stir now and then so nothing sticks.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the cooked chicken (along with any delicious juices) back into the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce, and let the mixture simmer for another minute or two so it’s all hot and cozy. Before serving, shower your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini
Garnishes
When it comes to making this dish look as irresistible as it tastes, a handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil brings a welcome pop of color. And don’t be shy with the freshly grated Parmesan—pile it on top for that perfect cheesy finish. A generous grind of black pepper also adds that final, mouthwatering touch.
Side Dishes
While Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is plenty satisfying on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a simple side of roasted broccoli. Some warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is just the ticket for soaking up extra sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Go for a stunning family-style presentation and serve right from the skillet, or divide into individual bowls and top each portion with a swirl of pesto for an herby twist. If you want to impress a dinner guest, nestle the tortellini into shallow pasta bowls, finish with microgreens or edible flowers, and give each plate a flourish of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Spoon any extras into an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled, and stash them in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making your next meal even more delicious!
Freezing
If you want to meal prep, you can freeze portions in tight-sealing containers for up to 2 months. For best results, let everything cool completely first. Note that creamy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed, but a good stir while reheating usually brings things back together.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce as needed. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover your bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the pasta heats evenly and stays creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic way to save time—just shred or chop the meat and toss it in when combining everything at the end. You’ll still capture all the comforting flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with less prep.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter take, swap some or all of the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will still be creamy, just a bit less rich. You can also use less cheese or load up with extra veggies like spinach for even more nutrition.
Is it possible to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the chicken entirely, or substitute in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a satisfying vegetarian option. You’ll still enjoy the full creamy, garlicky, cheesy experience!
What other mix-ins can I add?
The sky’s the limit for mix-ins. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for sweet-tangy pops of flavor, or fresh baby spinach for color and nutrition. Roasted red peppers or even steamed broccoli are delicious additions as well.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well! Adjust the cooking time as needed so the pasta is cooked through and tender. Just be sure to check the packaging for the correct boiling time and add a minute or two in the simmering sauce if needed.
Final Thoughts
Bursting with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is destined to find a spot in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and watch it disappear from plates—one cozy bite at a time!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that comes together easily for a satisfying meal. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce make this a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Additional Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in the skillet, add cream, Parmesan, seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add tortellini to the sauce and cook until tender. Return chicken to the skillet and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
