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Homemade Caesar Chicken Tortellini (Lightened Up) photo

Caesar Chicken Tortellini (Lightened Up)

This Caesar Chicken Tortellini is a lightened-up twist on a classic! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Comfort Food, Easy, Lightened Up, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

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 quality cheese tortellini 20 oz.
  • 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

For the Topping:

  • 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

Instructions

How to Prepare:

  • Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. In a bowl, combine 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. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let them soak in those flavors for at least 15 minutes.
  • While the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
  • In the same skillet, add 2-4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, followed by 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.
  • Stir in the dried parsley, dried basil, onion powder, salt, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the cooked tortellini to the creamy sauce and toss to coat. Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 oz. of softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the tortellini. For a crunchy topping, toss the cubed French baguette 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 on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
  • Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the dish before serving!

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
  • If the sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • This dish can be served hot or left to cool as a delicious pasta salad.