Caesar Chicken Tortellini

There’s something so comforting about the combination of flavors in Caesar Chicken Tortellini. When I first created this dish, I was looking for something to satisfy a craving for pasta while keeping it light and fresh. It was a busy weekday, and I wanted to whip up something that felt indulgent yet wasn’t going to take all evening. As I cooked, the aroma of the sautéing garlic and chicken filled my kitchen, instantly making it feel like home. The creamy sauce enveloping the cheese tortellini just adds that perfect touch of richness that makes this meal feel special. You won’t believe how easy it is to prepare this dish, yet it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

When it comes to choosing a dish for dinner, I often look for something that brings together my favorite ingredients in a way that’s both delicious and satisfying. The Caesar Chicken Tortellini checks all the boxes! It’s a delightful blend of marinated chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy Caesar-inspired sauce. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily adjust it to suit your taste. With that said, let’s dive deeper into why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen and why it might just become a favorite in yours as well.

Ingredients for Caesar Chicken Tortellini

In this Caesar Chicken Tortellini, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a dish full of flavor. The marriage of the marinated chicken with the creamy sauce and tortellini results in a delightful dining experience. Let’s explore the essential components of this recipe.

• 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts – The star of the show, offering protein and heartiness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For marinating and cooking the chicken, adding healthy fats.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – A splash of acidity that brightens the dish.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor.
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard – For a bit of tanginess.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper – To enhance flavor.
• 1 20 oz. package quality cheese tortellini – The creamy, cheesy backbone of the dish.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided – Used for both cooking and creating the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
• 2-4 garlic cloves, minced – For aromatic flavor.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – To help thicken the sauce.
• 2 cups milk – Creates the creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice – Brightens the flavor once again.
• 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce – A touch of umami flavor.
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon – For enhanced chicken flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley, dried basil, onion powder, salt – A blend of seasonings for depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon each of dried oregano, pepper, red pepper flakes – Adds a hint of heat.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – For delicious cheesy goodness.
• 2 oz. cream cheese – Adds creaminess and richness.
• 3 cups cubed French baguette bread – For croutons, adding a crunchy texture.
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan – A topping for the croutons.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – For extra flavor.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt – Seasoning for the croutons.
• Fresh parsley – A garnish to enhance presentation.

Recipe Directions for Caesar Chicken Tortellini

Making Caesar Chicken Tortellini is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The steps are simple and straightforward, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. Let’s get started!

1. First, prepare the chicken marinade. In a large freezer bag or bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk the mixture to combine well before adding in the 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts. Toss the chicken to ensure it’s thoroughly coated in the marinade, and let it marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

2. While the chicken marinates, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the quality cheese tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.

3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, take a medium bowl and whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Add the cubed French baguette bread to the bowl and gently toss until the bread is evenly coated. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Next, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dab off any excess with a paper towel. Carefully add the chicken to the hot skillet, cooking it undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned on one side.

5. After browning one side, flip the chicken over, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, or until it’s cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before chopping or slicing.

6. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced 2-4 garlic cloves and sauté for around 30 seconds until fragrant. Gradually sprinkle in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until it thickens. You’ll notice a paste forming at this stage.

7. Now, reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in 2 cups milk, followed by the reserved 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce, 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon, and all the seasonings. Stir the mixture continuously until it comes to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

8. Once thickened, lower the heat further and add the 2 oz. cream cheese and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until both cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.

9. Finally, return the cooked tortellini and diced chicken to the skillet, tossing everything to coat well in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, and fresh parsley before serving.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own. The Caesar Chicken Tortellini is no exception. Here are some ideas to personalize this dish:

• Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the prepared dish for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven when ready to eat.
• Pairing: This dish goes well with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread to balance the creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese like goat cheese or a spicy pepper jack to change the flavor profile.

Accompaniments for Caesar Chicken Tortellini

Serving the Caesar Chicken Tortellini is all about creating a full dining experience. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Light Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a delicious combination that echoes the flavors of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a comforting touch that complements the creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, can elevate the meal.
• Occasions: Perfect for a family dinner, date night, or even a cozy gathering with friends.
• Seasonal Touch: In the fall, add roasted vegetables as a side for a heartier meal.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Caesar Chicken Tortellini truly embodies comfort food at its finest. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, it’s a dish that will leave a lasting impression on your palate. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will surely become a favorite in your home.

Caesar Chicken Tortellini

The ultimate comfort food, this Caesar Chicken Tortellini is creamy, cheesy, and easy to prepare. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this dish brings together tender chicken, quality tortellini, and a rich sauce that will satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 590

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For marinating and cooking
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 package quality cheese tortellini 20 oz.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil Divided for various parts of the recipe
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2-4 cloves garlic Minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley Dried
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil Dried
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano Dried
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Dried
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 oz. cream cheese Softened
• 3 cups cubed French baguette bread Approx. 1/2-1” cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil For croutons
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan For topping croutons
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder For croutons
• 1/8 teaspoon salt For croutons
• 1 bunch fresh parsley For garnish

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Oven
• Grater
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Add all chicken marinade ingredients (except chicken) to a large freezer bag or bowl and whisk to combine. Add chicken, toss to evenly coat. Refrigerate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 hours.
2. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions in salted water. Remove 1 cup pasta water before draining.
3. Preheat oven to 400F degrees F. Whisk together olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add cubed bread and gently toss until evenly coated. Spread bread in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until golden.
4. Meanwhile, heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and dab off excess then add to hot skillet and cook, undisturbed, for 3-5 minutes, or until nicely browned on one side.
5. Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 5-7 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked through. Remove to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before chopping or slicing.
6. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 2 minutes (it will be thick).
7. Turn heat to low then slowly whisk in milk, followed by lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, chicken bouillon and all seasonings.
8. Increase heat to medium high and bring the sauce to a simmer until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
9. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted followed by Parmesan cheese until melted.
10. Stir in tortellini and chicken until well coated and heated through, adding additional reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
11. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or lemon juice to taste. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crouton and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: May substitute 2 ½ cups chopped rotisserie chicken breasts.
• Tip 2: Croutons can be prepared days in advance and stored in an airtight container.

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Meet Rose Kelley

I’m happiest when I have dirt under my fingernails and fresh herbs in my hand. I bring a garden-to-table philosophy to our group. I’m always tossing handfuls of fresh basil or mint into our pots, looking for that pop of freshness. I love cooking alongside Maya to ensure our meals feel vibrant and alive. I participate in every step, from the initial chopping to the final taste test!