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Garlic Butter Tortellini

Garlic Butter Tortellini

Creamy garlic butter chicken & cheese tortellini ready in 35 minutes. One-pan, family favorite weeknight dinner with a rich parmesan sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 840
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into thick bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • to taste Salt and cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 5 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large, deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Box grater or microplane for grating cheese
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Boil the tortellini in salted water according to package directions; reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; season chicken pieces and add to the skillet, cooking until golden-brown, adding half of the minced garlic in the last minute.
  3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter and add remaining minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute to create a roux.
  6. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  7. Stir in heavy cream until smooth and simmer gently.
  8. Lower heat, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, followed by mozzarella until thick and creamy.
  9. Add the cooked tortellini and toss to coat; if thick, add reserved pasta water.
  10. Fold in the garlic butter chicken and mix gently.
  11. Let sit for 1-2 minutes before serving, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 840kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 40gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For a healthier version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you're out of chicken, chicken thighs are a great alternative. Don't forget to reserve pasta water; it helps adjust sauce consistency. For extra flavor, finish with fresh herbs or additional grated cheese before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with some added liquid to restore the sauce.
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