🍲 Down-Home Chicken Tortellini with Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
This comforting dish blends tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a rich, garlicky parmesan butter sauce for a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough for guests. Down-home goodness in every bite!
📝 Ingredients:
For the Tortellini & Chicken:
- 9 oz (250g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced or shredded (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, basil, oregano)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (adjust for desired consistency)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🔧 Instructions:
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the cooked chicken and toss to coat in the butter mixture.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and slowly add reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and coats everything evenly.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan, and serve hot.
📌 Notes:
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a fast shortcut.
- Can substitute grilled shrimp or mushrooms for a different protein.
- Add steamed spinach or peas for extra veggies.
- Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream along with the pasta water.
💡 Tips:
- Don’t let the garlic brown—it can turn bitter quickly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and melt.
- If using frozen tortellini, do not thaw—just boil straight from frozen.
- To make it a one-pan meal, sauté raw chicken in the same skillet before making the sauce.
🍽️ Servings:
Makes 2–3 generous servings or 4 smaller servings
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: ~600mg
(Values vary based on tortellini and chicken type)
🌟 Benefits:
- High in protein to support muscle recovery and satiety.
- Quick comfort food—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced meal when served with a green veggie or side salad.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes! Just boil according to package instructions—no need to thaw.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Only slightly if you use red pepper flakes. Skip them for a milder version.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: What pairs well with this?
A: A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies are perfect sides.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Swap chicken with mushrooms or sautéed zucchini for a tasty vegetarian version.