Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that promises comfort, flavor, and a touch of gourmet magic with barely any fuss, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. This dish is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying one-pan wonder, loaded with juicy chicken cubes, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious Parmesan-laced sauce infused with garlic. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests on a weeknight or just treat yourself after a long day, you’ll love how this recipe draws you in with its irresistible aroma and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so special is how each simple ingredient brings out the best flavors and textures—every item is a key player in creating that signature creaminess and savory depth. You’ll likely have most of these kitchen staples on hand, and together they make the perfect symphony for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe.
- Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a golden, flavorful sear and adds richness to the base.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (cubed): Tender bite-sized pieces soak up the garlic-Parmesan sauce beautifully.
- Garlic (minced): The star aromatics—fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with mouthwatering fragrance.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance every other flavor without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: Brings a gentle kick that warms up the creamy sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs gives off that unmistakable Italian-American comfort.
- Butter: Adds both richness and a silky texture to your cream sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: The secret to thickening your sauce so it clings perfectly to every tortellini.
- Milk: Forms the creamy backbone of the sauce—whole milk is ideal for silkiness.
- Heavy Cream: Boosts the decadent creaminess and helps sauce coat every morsel.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, sharp, and salty—this cheese is a non-negotiable star for maximum flavor.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: These tender, cheese-filled pasta bites absorb all that sauce for a hearty bite.
- Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish): A fresh, green pop that brightens up your finished plate.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your cheese tortellini and cook them according to package directions, usually just a few minutes until they float and turn perfectly tender. Be careful not to overcook—the magic is in that chewy, cheesy bite. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Grab your largest skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium-high. Once it’s shimmering, scatter in your cubed chicken breast, then season with salt, black pepper, and a shower of Italian seasoning. Let the pieces brown on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes—they’ll turn juicy and golden, ready to soak up all the coming flavor. When done, transfer to a plate and keep nearby.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Make the Roux
Drop your heat to medium and melt in the butter. In goes the star of the show—the minced garlic. Stir and sauté for just a minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen (don’t let it brown!). Sprinkle in the flour and stir briskly. This quick roux will ensure your finished sauce is thick, creamy, and clings to every noodle perfectly.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously so you end up with a smooth, lump-free base. Maintain a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly creamy. Add the Parmesan and stir until it melts into silk. Taste for salt and savor how every component melds together.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Add your cooked chicken and drained tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently so everything gets gloriously coated in that creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Let the magic happen for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until heated through and the pasta has absorbed a little of that incredible sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe family-style, piping hot.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Garnishes
While a simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens up the plate and adds a fresh note, you can also shower on extra grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper for an extra punch. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes will take the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe to the next level.
Side Dishes
To create a complete meal, serve this creamy masterpiece with a side of garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian rolls—perfect for swiping up every drop of sauce. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette makes a lovely, fresh counterbalance and keeps the meal feeling light and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hoping to impress, try portioning the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe into individual bowls with a swirl of sauce on top and a flourish of herbs. For a comforting family dinner, go rustic and bring the skillet straight to the table. You can even arrange on a platter with roasted veggies for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe makes a lovely next-day lunch! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more crave-worthy when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It keeps beautifully frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the sauce may thicken a touch upon thawing, but a splash of milk during reheating will restore its creamy texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of milk, stirring to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, pausing to stir a couple times so everything heats evenly and stays luscious and creamy—just how you love it.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious in this recipe and stay incredibly juicy. Simply use boneless, skinless thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, and cook as you would the breast meat.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen cheese tortellini work wonderfully as long as you boil them according to their package instructions. They might need a minute or two longer in the water, so keep an eye on them for perfect texture.
Is it possible to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the chicken and add in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a hearty and satisfying meatless twist.
What’s the best way to keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Always add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce before reheating, and stir gently over low heat. This will help rehydrate the pasta and restore that dreamy, silky texture.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Just reheat gently and whisk before adding to your freshly cooked chicken and tortellini for a quick finish at dinnertime.
Final Thoughts
This cozy bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for weeknights, dinner parties, or any night you crave comfort and big flavors without a lot of work. Give it a try—your taste buds (and loved ones) will thank you!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, a delectable Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Boil water, cook tortellini per package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Sauté chicken with seasonings until cooked; set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, add butter, flour, milk, cream, and Parmesan; mix until thickened.
- Combine: Toss chicken and tortellini in the sauce; heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance with grilled or rotisserie chicken.
- Try adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
- Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg