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–+ servings

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Tortellini

Plump three-cheese tortellini and tender browned chicken breast simmered in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce flecked with sweet sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. A 25-minute restaurant-quality one-pan dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Skillet Base
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil reserved straight from the jar for intense flavor
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning dried oregano, basil, thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the Tortellini & Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken bone broth 100% halal, for deglazing skillet fond
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream full fat for silky texture
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and julienned
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • 9 oz fresh refrigerated three-cheese tortellini uncooked
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves stems removed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for subtle heat
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves thinly sliced for serving

Method
 

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
  1. Season the diced chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. In a deep 12-inch heavy skillet or cast iron pan, heat 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. Sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply golden brown underneath. Flip and sear for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the golden chicken bites to a plate, leaving all the flavorful fond and drippings in the skillet.
  3. Turn heat down to medium. Add the minced garlic and julienned sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet drippings. Sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant and aromatic. Pour in the chicken bone broth to deglaze the skillet, using a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape up all the caramelized browned bits from the pan bottom.
  4. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add the fresh refrigerated three-cheese tortellini directly into the liquid. Stir gently so every piece of tortellini is submerged.
  5. Cover the skillet with a lid and let simmer gently over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the tortellini are tender and pillowy al dente. Do not overcook.
  6. Remove lid and turn heat to low. Add the baby spinach and seared chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce.
  7. Gradually fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and clinging to the pasta. Remove from heat immediately.
  8. Garnish generously with fresh torn basil, shaved parmesan curls, and extra cracked black pepper. Serve steaming hot directly from the skillet with warm crusty garlic bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 38gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 3.4mg

Notes

Use fresh refrigerated tortellini rather than dried for the best pillowy texture. If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, stir in an extra splash of warm chicken broth or cream.

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