Creamy Blackened Chicken with Tortellini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Flavorful: The homemade blackened seasoning imparts a smoky, spicy crust to the chicken, creating a dynamic contrast with the creamy sauce.

• Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and cheese-filled tortellini provides a hearty and comforting meal.

• Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cook time of about 45 minutes, this dish is suitable for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
• 1-2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon organic all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 2 cups organic chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons white cooking wine (or additional chicken stock)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1 (8 oz.) package cheese tortellini

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with the blackened seasoning on both sides.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and additional blackened seasoning, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, chicken stock, and white cooking wine, ensuring a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Add Cheese and Kale: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine with Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to ensure each piece is well-coated.

6. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them over the creamy tortellini. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to create a satisfying vegetarian version.

• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the amount of blackened seasoning to suit your heat preference. For a milder dish, use less seasoning; for extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Greens Substitution: If kale isn’t to your liking, substitute with spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken stock to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the sauce to separate and the chicken to become rubbery.

FAQs

What is blackened seasoning?

Blackened seasoning is a blend of spices commonly including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. It imparts a smoky, spicy flavor to meats and seafood when cooked at high heat.

Can I use store-bought tortellini?

Yes, store-bought cheese tortellini works well in this recipe and helps save time. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Additionally, ensure the tortellini is dairy-free or substitute with a dairy-free pasta.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, the juices should run clear, and the meat should be white with no pinkness when cut.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, cook

Creamy Blackened Chicken with Tortellini

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Blackened Chicken with Tortellini is a rich and flavorful dish featuring spicy, smoky blackened chicken, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy Parmesan sauce with hints of garlic and kale. Ready in 45 minutes, this easy yet indulgent meal is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
• 1–2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon organic all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 2 cups organic chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons white cooking wine (or additional chicken stock)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped kale

For the Pasta:

• 1 (8 oz.) package cheese tortellini

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken breasts dry.
   • Generously season both sides with blackened seasoning.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
   • Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil.
   • Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in flour and blackened seasoning to create a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in heavy cream, chicken stock, and white wine, simmering until thickened.

4. Add Cheese & Kale:

   • Stir in grated Parmesan until melted.
   • Add chopped kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

5. Cook & Combine the Tortellini:

   • Cook cheese tortellini per package instructions. Drain.
   • Add tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.

6. Serve:

   • Slice the blackened chicken and arrange over the tortellini.
   • Garnish with extra Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies.
• Adjust Spice Level: Reduce blackened seasoning for a milder taste or add cayenne for more heat.
• Greens Substitution: Use spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American