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Homemade Caesar Chicken Tortellini (Lightened Up) photo

Caesar Chicken Tortellini (Lightened Up)

This Caesar Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, satisfying dish that's lightened up for guilt-free indulgence!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 2-3 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Tortellini:
  • 1 package (20 oz.) quality cheese tortellini
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 oz. cream cheese softened (use less fat)
For the Croutons:
  • 3 cups cubed French baguette bread approx. 1/2-1
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Meat mallet

Method
 

Method:
  1. Step 1: Marinate the Chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Cook the Tortellini. While the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Sauté the Chicken. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  4. Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the 3 tablespoons of flour and whisk well to create a roux. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Asian fish sauce, and 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon. Season with dried parsley, dried basil, onion powder, salt, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Combine Everything. Once the sauce is thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the tortellini.
  6. Step 6: Prepare the Croutons. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed French baguette bread with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  7. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy! Serve the creamy Caesar Chicken Tortellini in bowls, topped with the crispy croutons and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the marinating step; it’s key to infusing flavor into the chicken.
  • Feel free to use store-bought tortellini to save time.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
  • For an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream.