Parmesan Chicken Tortellini (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Marinated Chicken

01 - 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
02 - 1 cup Italian dressing
03 - ½ tablespoon onion powder
04 - ½ tablespoon garlic powder
05 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Pasta

07 - 12 oz package tortellini pasta
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing)

→ Creamy Cheese Sauce

09 - 3 tablespoons butter
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream
12 - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine diced chicken breast with Italian dressing, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to a few hours for more flavor.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
04 - Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add heavy cream while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer.
05 - Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, mixing until completely melted and incorporated into a smooth, thick sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the tortellini. Toss everything together until well coated with the creamy cheese sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes adds flavor, but longer is better if you have time
02 - You can substitute with two 15 oz jars of alfredo sauce to save time on making the cheese sauce
03 - Toss cooked pasta with olive oil immediately after draining to prevent sticking
04 - This dish is versatile enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for special occasions