Description
Creamy marry me tortellini brings Italian romance to dinner tables with its irresistible blend of cheese, herbs, and tender pasta. Comfort meets passion in this quick, indulgent dish that promises to steal hearts and satisfy hungry souls.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 9 oz (255 grams) cheese tortellini
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts completely.
- Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring thorough cooking.
- Transfer chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its juicy texture.
- Lower heat and introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until aromatic and slightly softened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a rich consistency, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Simultaneously, prepare tortellini in a separate pot according to package instructions, ensuring pasta reaches an al dente texture.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken into the sauce, gently coating each piece with the creamy mixture.
- Carefully fold the drained tortellini into the skillet, delicately tossing to distribute sauce evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped herbs and additional Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation.
Notes
- Swap protein easily by using shrimp, tofu, or turkey for varied dietary preferences.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or completely omitting for milder palates.
- Choose whole wheat tortellini to boost nutritional value and fiber content.
- Reduce sauce calories by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg