Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini in Parmesan Cream

Ultra-Creamy One-Pan Italian-Style Dinner (Better Than Restaurant!)

If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, comforting dinner that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant, this Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini in Parmesan Cream is the perfect recipe.
Tender chicken cooked in buttery garlic, cheese-filled tortellini, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce come together in one pan for a meal that’s impossible to resist.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or special occasions, and it’s a proven favorite for food blogs thanks to its high-interest ingredients and indulgent texture.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

One-pan creamy chicken pasta (highly searched)
Garlic butter flavor = instant appeal
Rich cheese sauce (Parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese)
Perfect comfort food with strong engagement potential

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

30 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
3 tbsp olive oil
4½ tbsp unsalted butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
2¼ tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp onion powder
¾ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1⅛ cups heavy whipping cream
¾ cup chicken broth
¾ cup whole milk
6 oz processed melting cheese, cubed
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1⅛ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ tsp Italian seasoning

For Garnish

3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1½ tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1 Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
Cook the cheese tortellini until just tender according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.

Tip: Do not overcook — tortellini should stay firm to hold the creamy sauce.

2 Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil and 1½ tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3 Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant (do not brown).

4 Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream.
Stir well and allow the mixture to gently simmer over medium heat.

5 Melt the Cheeses

Add the processed cheese cubes and cream cheese.
Stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.

Next, stir in:

Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning

Cook until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and glossy.

6 Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce.
Add the cooked tortellini and gently fold until fully covered.

Simmer for 2 minutes so all the flavors blend perfectly.

7 Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition (Approximate)

Calories: ~980 per serving
Protein: High
Rich & indulgent comfort food

Servings

Serves 6

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother sauce
Keep heat moderate to prevent the sauce from breaking
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor
Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist