Garlic Cream Tortellini with Crispy Chicken bites
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Chicken Bites:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Garlic Cream Tortellini:
18 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken bites with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
Cook the Tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Add Liquids & Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Keep warm over low heat while frying the chicken.
Fry the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge in flour mixture.
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Place on paper towels to drain.
Serve: Spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato tortellini onto plates. Top with crispy chicken bites and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~720 per serving