Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Cheesy Tortellini in Mozzarella Sauce
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then sear until golden-brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up browned bits for flavor.
5. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low.
6. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce thicken for 4–5 minutes, stirring often.
7. Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
8. Return the chicken bites to the skillet, drizzling any accumulated juices over the pasta. Stir gently to combine or serve separately for presentation.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.
Cooking Time:30 minutes | Servings:4 | Calories:\~710 per serving