Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Tortellini recipe, featuring tender chicken, a rich velvety cream sauce, smoky turkey bacon, and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) in every bite. This dish blends silky cheese tortellini pasta with savory and smoky flavors, making it a dependable favorite for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions. Simple, wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly to create a luscious, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Cheese tortellini – 12 ounces
Protein
- Chicken breasts – 2 medium, boneless and skinless
- Smoked turkey bacon – 4 slices, diced
Dairy and Cream
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) – 1 cup
- Heavy cream or plant-based cream – 1 cup
Aromatics and Seasoning
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Liquids and Broth
- Chicken broth – 1/2 cup
Garnish
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp, then transfer to paper towels to drain. In the same skillet, add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and black pepper and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then shred the chicken with two forks and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add remaining olive oil to the skillet, then sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 3-5 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and keep tortellini warm.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently and simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) and stir continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return shredded chicken and crispy smoked turkey bacon to the skillet. Add cooked tortellini and toss everything gently to evenly coat the pasta and protein with the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving.
Notes
- Choose quality cheese tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep tortellini al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for brightness that balances the richness of the cream.
- Gently melt shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) to maintain a smooth sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used as a quick alternative to cooking chicken breasts.
- Plant-based cream and dairy-free shredded cheese can be substituted for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Tortellini, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Mozzarella Cheese, Weeknight Meal, Protein Packed, Cream Sauce, Italian Pasta, Quick Recipe
