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Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bites

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bites

Creamy garlic butter chicken bites with cheesy tortellini in one skillet. Ready in 30 minutes! Your new favorite comfort food dinner recipe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 710
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 20 oz package cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • q.s. fresh parsley, chopped for garnish to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling tortellini
  • Large, deep skillet or braiser
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Grater for fresh Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add tortellini, and cook according to package directions for al dente (about 3-4 minutes). Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then add to the skillet in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a clean plate.
  3. Lower heat to medium in the same skillet and add remaining butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
  6. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until melted and creamy, simmering for another 4-5 minutes.
  7. Add cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss until coated. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices, and stir to combine or nestle it on top of the pasta.
  9. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 710kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan. You can swap chicken for thighs, use other pasta varieties, or try different cheeses for variations.
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