why make this recipe
This dish gives you bright lemon flavor, warm garlic butter, and creamy tortellini in one pan. It cooks fast and feels special enough for a weeknight or a small dinner. The flavors are simple and stick together well.
introduction
This recipe is easy to follow and uses common ingredients. It works well when you want a quick, filling meal. If you like creamy pasta with chicken, you might also enjoy a similar rich pasta dish like creamy Cajun chicken rotini for another simple dinner idea.
how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Tortellini
Work in steps so the chicken stays juicy and the sauce stays smooth. Cook the tortellini first and set it aside. Cook and season the chicken, then make the cream sauce in the same pan so it picks up the browned bits. Add the tortellini back to the sauce and fold in the chicken. You can follow the full method below. For a slightly spicier or herb-forward change, see a related option like creamy garlic butter Cajun chicken bowtie pasta.
Ingredients :
- 11⁄4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1⁄2–1 lemon (to taste)
- 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1⁄4 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional garnish)
Directions :
- Cook the tortellini in a pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss the chicken until glossy and coated, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently, then stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Return chicken bites to the skillet and gently fold everything together.
- Plate warm, garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
how to serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Tortellini
Serve hot on plates or in bowls. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top. A lemon slice on the side brightens the dish. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
how to store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Tortellini
Let cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce is too thick. Do not freeze the cream sauce; it can split when frozen and thawed.
tips to make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Tortellini
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; remove it once it is no longer pink inside.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright flavor.
- Warm the cream gently; high heat can make it separate.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon at the end.
variation (if any)
- Add spinach or peas to the sauce for extra greens.
- Swap tortellini for gnocchi or penne if you prefer.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for more color and flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes. Cook frozen tortellini according to package directions then drain and use as directed.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time until done.
Q: How do I make the sauce thinner or thicker?
A: To thin, add a little chicken broth or cream. To thicken, simmer a bit longer or add more Parmesan.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast for cheese, but texture and flavor will change.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: It works for short-term meal prep (3 days). Store sauce and pasta together and reheat gently.
Conclusion
Try this lemon garlic butter chicken with creamy tortellini when you want a fast, cozy meal that still feels special. For more lemon garlic chicken ideas and tips, see this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe (Easy and Creamy) | The Kitchn.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Tortellini
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the tortellini in a pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, tossing the chicken until glossy and coated, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently.
- Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Return chicken bites to the skillet and gently fold everything together.
- Plate warm, garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.