Delicious Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, where tender marinated chicken meets cheese-filled pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is a delightful fusion of elegance and simplicity, offering a restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes. The secret lies in the Italian dressing marinade that infuses the chicken with herbs and tang, complemented by a homemade parmesan cream sauce that cloaks each tortellini in decadent flavor.

My journey with this exquisite dish began with a tantalizing whiff from my neighbor’s kitchen. Entranced by the aroma, I discovered a recipe that has since become a cherished favorite in my household. The magic of this dish lies not only in its taste but in the memories it creates, making it our go-to celebratory meal for milestones and special occasions. With a few expert tips, like melting cheese off the burner for a velvety sauce, this Parmesan Chicken Tortellini will elevate your culinary skills and bring gourmet dining to your dinner table.

Elevate your dining experience by serving this delectable pasta with crusty garlic bread and a side of fresh greens. Customize your dish with sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor, or add veggies like spinach and mushrooms for a wholesome twist. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, this Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe promises to impress with its rich flavors and comforting appeal, proving that homemade meals can rival any restaurant delight.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy: Impressive, restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes
• Rich and flavorful: Creamy parmesan sauce coats tortellini with luxurious flavor
• Versatile: Easily customizable with variations like sun-dried tomatoes, vegetables, or spices
• Leftover-friendly: Stores well for up to three days and reheats beautifully

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality Meal: Create a sophisticated and luxurious dish that tastes as if it were ordered from an expensive restaurant, impressing family and friends alike.
• Quick and Easy: Whip up this flavorful meal in under thirty minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Enjoy a rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of tortellini, creating a decadent flavor that is both comforting and indulgent.
• Family Favorite: Turn this recipe into a celebration meal for special occasions, making it a go-to dish for good report cards or achievements.
• Expert Cooking Techniques: Learn key culinary techniques, such as gently melting cheese off the heat, that can elevate your cooking skills and improve future cheese sauce endeavors.
• Versatile: Customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms, accommodating different tastes and preferences.
• Make-ahead and Reheat: Prepare extra servings and store them for up to three days, easily reheating them on the stovetop, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.
• Complete Meal: Serve the dish with crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal that balances flavors and textures, enhancing the dining experience.
• Homemade Delight: Discover that homemade meals can rival restaurant-quality dishes, showing that you can create exquisite flavors and textures in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Delicious Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Marinated Chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ tablespoon onion powder
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 cup Italian dressing

Pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing)
• 12 oz package tortellini pasta

Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

How to Make Delicious Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix diced chicken breast with Italian dressing, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the tortellini as per package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to simmer.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Mix in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and combined into a smooth, thick sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken and tortellini back to the skillet. Toss with the creamy cheese sauce until well coated. Serve hot immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed the delicious Italian parmesan chicken tortellini, store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. If the sauce has thickened during storage, simply add a splash of cream or milk to restore its original consistency. Though the sauce may separate slightly when cold, it will come back together beautifully with gentle stirring as it is reheated.

This dish can be easily customized by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms to suit your preferences. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider spicing up the dish with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. Serving this rich pasta in shallow bowls alongside crusty garlic bread and a side salad creates a complete and satisfying meal that will impress your family and guests. Garnishing each serving with freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a delightful finishing touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’d like to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or seitan strips. Marinate the tofu or seitan in the Italian dressing to infuse it with flavor before cooking. Alternatively, you could use pre-cooked chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost without meat.

For a lighter sauce option, consider swapping the heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk. This adjustment will result in a slightly less rich sauce but will still provide a creamy texture. If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or cashew cream can be used as substitutes for the heavy whipping cream. Just be mindful of adjusting the seasoning to balance the flavors with these dairy replacements.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve the Parmesan Chicken Tortellini in elegant pasta bowls garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese on top. Pair it with a side of garlic bread to soak up every drop of the luxurious cream sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette on the side.

To elevate this dish further, try creating different variations. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a tangy twist, or incorporate fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for a burst of color and added nutrients. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, kick it up a notch with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the cream sauce. These creative additions will take your Parmesan Chicken Tortellini to the next level and impress your guests with a customizable and flavorful dining experience.

FAQs for Delicious Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Can I use store-bought Italian dressing for the chicken marinade?

Yes, you can use store-bought Italian dressing for convenience. However, making your own with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices allows you to customize the flavors according to your preference.

Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream with a lighter alternative?

While heavy whipping cream provides the richness and creaminess to the sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as lighter alternatives. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick or rich with these substitutions.

How can I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy or separated?

To prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy or separated, make sure to remove the pan from the heat before adding the cheese. Let the residual heat melt the cheese gently, and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Can I freeze the leftover Italian parmesan chicken tortellini?

It’s not recommended to freeze dishes with creamy sauces as they can separate and become grainy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy the leftover tortellini within three days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Incorporating the delicious flavors of Parmesan Chicken Tortellini into your family meals is a surefire way to create memorable dining experiences. The journey from marinating the chicken to crafting that velvety parmesan cream sauce might seem daunting, but with practice and the right techniques, you’ll soon master this recipe with confidence and finesse. Remember, every kitchen mishap is just a stepping stone towards culinary growth, so don’t be discouraged by a few bumps along the way.

Whether you’re hosting a special celebration or simply craving a comforting meal, Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. From adding sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness to incorporating spicy elements for an extra kick, feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Embrace the process, enjoy the aromas wafting from your kitchen, and savor every bite of this indulgent pasta dish. Your dedication to honing your cooking skills will undoubtedly shine through in each exquisite plate of Parmesan Chicken Tortellini you serve.

Delicious Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Creamy Parmesan chicken tortellini combines marinated chicken, cheese-filled pasta, and a rich cream sauce for a sophisticated, restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 generous servings)

Ingredients

Marinated Chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ tablespoon onion powder
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 cup Italian dressing

Pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing)
• 12 oz package tortellini pasta

Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix diced chicken breast with Italian dressing, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for enhanced flavor.
2. Cook the Tortellini: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the tortellini as per package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to simmer.
5. Add Cheese: Mix in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and combined into a smooth, thick sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and tortellini back to the skillet. Toss with the creamy cheese sauce until well coated. Serve hot immediately.