Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (about 9 oz) fresh cheese tortellini
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside. Once cool enough, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Tortellini:
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions (usually around 3-4 minutes for fresh tortellini). Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the butter, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning to taste.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce, gently stirring to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Add the sliced chicken on top and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve:
- Divide the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo between plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Extra Flavor:
- You can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a little extra flavour and colour.
- If you like a richer sauce, feel free to use all heavy cream instead of mixing it with milk.
- A dash of nutmeg in the Alfredo sauce can add a subtle depth of flavour.
This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious chicken, making it the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!