Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Alfredo Tortellini:
18 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set the tortellini aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, then add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Toss the cooked tortellini into the creamy Alfredo sauce, coating it well.
7. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~700 per serving