Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Herb Tortellini
Description
This dish combines succulent, pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with cheesy tortellini tossed in a creamy herb sauce. It’s comfort food elevated with fresh herbs and Parmesan, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Creamy Herb Tortellini:
1 package (9–12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or 1 tbsp fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
Stir in Italian seasoning and lemon juice, then return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Reduce heat to low and let simmer while preparing tortellini.
2. Cook the Tortellini
Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs; stir until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper. Toss in cooked tortellini until coated in sauce.
3. Combine and Serve
Plate creamy herb tortellini and top with garlic butter chicken.
Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use another type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes! Cheese ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne work well with this creamy herb sauce.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and tortellini separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add extra cream if the sauce thickens.
Q3: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Reduce cooking time and just warm it in the garlic butter sauce.
Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use vegan butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
Tortellini can be frozen, but the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg
Sodium: 820 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g