Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (12 ounces / 360 g) chicken broth
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (about 8 whole) sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in warm water until softened, then chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Greens
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Mix seasonings. In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Season chicken. Evenly coat the 1-inch cubed chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture.
- Heat oil and cook chicken. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Tent cooked chicken. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Melt butter and cook garlic. Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and simmer. Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add cream and cream cheese. Lower the heat to medium-low, stir in ¾ cup heavy cream and 2 ounces softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese. Gradually stir in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to avoid clumps.
- Incorporate remaining Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add tortellini. Add the 9-ounce package of refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the sauce, stirring to coat. Simmer 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
- Return chicken and spinach to skillet. Stir in the cooked chicken and 2 cups fresh spinach. Let simmer 2-3 more minutes until spinach wilts.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- Soak sun-dried tomatoes in warm water until softened for best texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for mild flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce may be less rich.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used but add it earlier with other seasonings for flavor development.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini or alternative pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian