Description
This creamy Southern-inspired pasta is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. With tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a silky roasted garlic cream sauce, it makes a satisfying weeknight dinner yet feels special enough for entertaining. Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and depth, transforming a simple cream sauce into something unforgettable.
Ingredients
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20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp butter
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1 whole garlic bulb
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¾ cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack or Parmesan
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
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Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Roast the Garlic: Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast at 400°F for 30–35 minutes until soft, caramelized, and golden. You can roast the garlic ahead of time and refrigerate it to save time.
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Boil the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
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Sear the Chicken: Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the pan and mash into the butter. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer. Add shredded cheese and Dijon mustard (if using), stirring until smooth and creamy.
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Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything in the roasted garlic cream sauce until evenly coated. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let flavors meld.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
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Roast garlic in advance to make the cooking process faster on busy nights.
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Use Monterey Jack for a Southern twist, or Parmesan for a sharper, nutty flavor.
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Try swapping chicken with shrimp or smoked sausage for a variation.
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If reheating leftovers, add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
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For extra spice, increase paprika or add cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes