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Creamy Garlic Chicken Tortellinirecipe

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4.6 from 81 reviews

A rich and flavorful creamy spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini dish that combines tender seared chicken with cheesy tortellini in a luscious garlic butter sauce, finished with a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat and fresh herbs for brightness.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, seasoned

Pasta

  • 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast or thighs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic and spices: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Create the sauce base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Cook tortellini: Add the fresh cheese tortellini to the skillet. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Combine chicken and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tortellini and sauce. Simmer everything together for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through. Finally, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use either chicken breasts or thighs according to preference; thighs provide more juiciness.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spice.
  • Fresh cheese tortellini cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind the sauce will be less rich.
  • Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the dish and add a fresh flavor contrast.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/creamy-garlic-chicken-tortellinirecipe/