If you’re searching for a comforting yet effortless dinner that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: An Easy and Delicious One-Pan Meal Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with pillowy cheese tortellini simmered in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce that’s both creamy and perfectly seasoned. It’s a one-pan wonder that captures all the cozy vibes of homemade comfort food without complicated steps or mess. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to make everyone gather around the table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element adds a special touch — from the juicy chicken to the fragrant garlic and the sharp Parmesan that melts into a velvety sauce. These essentials come together so effortlessly to create a dish packed with both flavor and texture.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in seasoning the chicken evenly and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor uniformly throughout the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthy, Mediterranean flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat to balance the creamy sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
- 20 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The soft, cheesy pasta that absorbs all the sauce beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Creates the perfect base for a garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a punch of aromatic flavor you can’t skip.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce light enough.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for cheesy goodness and umami.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, vibrant note and color pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper: Fine-tuning the final seasoning for balance.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: An Easy and Delicious One-Pan Meal Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by marinating your cubed chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like some spice), salt, and pepper. This step is where your flavor base begins; evenly coating the chicken ensures each bite will be juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding and lets each piece brown beautifully. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Set the chicken aside and keep those browned bits in the pan—they’re the secret to extra flavor in your sauce!
Step 3: Boil the Tortellini
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook them until they float, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain well to avoid watery sauce later, and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Return to your skillet and melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, letting the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and stir in grated Parmesan until the sauce turns silky and smooth. Season carefully with salt and pepper since the cheese adds plenty of saltiness already.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Stir the cooked chicken back into your creamy sauce, coating every piece with that luscious garlic parmesan goodness. Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring every pasta parcel soaks up the sauce. Warm everything on low heat for a few minutes, blending the flavors perfectly but watch closely to avoid overcooking the tortellini.
Step 6: Add Fresh Parsley and Serve
Off heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh burst of color and herbal brightness. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese to make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: An Easy and Delicious One-Pan Meal Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: An Easy and Delicious One-Pan Meal Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and an extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. If you love a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes work beautifully as an optional garnish.
Side Dishes
This one-pan meal is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the tortellini in individual shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. You could also sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil for a Mediterranean flair that complements the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh because the cream sauce can separate upon freezing and thawing. However, if necessary, freeze leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir frequently, adding a little broth or cream to restore smoothness and creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini can be used for this recipe, just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Usually, frozen tortellini will take a minute or two longer to cook than refrigerated.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly. Using grilled or baked chicken instead of pan-fried can also cut down on fat.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently and give it a quick stir before adding the chicken and tortellini to avoid splitting the cream.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a great alternative if you want a sharper flavor. Grana Padano also works well. Avoid pre-grated cheese that contains anti-caking agents as it may not melt as smoothly.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions. Add veggies during sauce simmering to soften them without overcooking your pasta or chicken.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: An Easy and Delicious One-Pan Meal Recipe, it might just become your new weeknight favorite. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky, and cheesy comfort that’s ready fast and requires minimal cleanup—what’s not to love? Gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and enjoy every luscious bite.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: An Easy and Delicious One-Pan Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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 pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Verify that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Tortellini: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes, until tender and floating. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting carefully considering the saltiness of Parmesan cheese.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Add Tortellini: Gently fold the drained tortellini into the skillet, mixing so that the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Heat Through: Allow the combined mixture to heat over low heat for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together without overcooking the tortellini.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the tortellini during the final heating step to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the salt cautiously since Parmesan cheese adds a natural salty flavor.
- You can substitute fresh tortellini with frozen; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add freshly cracked black pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
