Description
This one-pot dish is the perfect combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or when you want a comforting, hearty meal without a lot of cleanup.
Ingredients
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 package (9–10 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
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Optional: cherry tomatoes or baby spinach for added color and flavor
Instructions
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Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Set aside.
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Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and remaining Italian seasoning.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add tortellini to the pan, stirring gently to coat with the sauce. Cover and cook 4–5 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
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Return chicken to the pan, mixing it into the creamy sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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Optional: Add cherry tomatoes or spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot.
Notes
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Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best; frozen tortellini may require slightly longer cooking.
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Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spice level.
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For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk with a teaspoon of flour.
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Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes adds nutrition and color.
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Use a large enough pan to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes