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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini with Basil Sauce

creamy marry me chicken tortellini - featured image
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A creamy and vibrant pasta dish featuring tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a luscious basil cream sauce that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (75 grams)
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml), low sodium preferred
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 9 ounces of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente (3-5 minutes for fresh, 6-8 minutes for frozen). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits. Add 3/4 cup Parmesan and stir until melted and sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 cup fresh basil leaves and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Let sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  6. Return cooked chicken to skillet, add tortellini, and toss gently to coat in sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook tortellini to maintain pillowy texture. Use fresh basil for best flavor and color. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water. Avoid burning garlic by sautéing on medium heat. For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine instead of some broth. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently with added broth or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken tortellini, basil sauce, easy dinner, pasta recipe, marry me chicken, comfort food, quick dinner

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