Creamy Chicken and Tortellini with Asparagus and Bacon Recipe
This creamy chicken and tortellini dish combines tender chicken breast, al dente tortellini, crisp asparagus, and smoky bacon in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the wait.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups tortellini, uncooked
- 1/2 pound asparagus
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, chopped
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare Asparagus: While the tortellini cooks, boil or steam the asparagus until it reaches your preferred level of tenderness—typically a quick boil for crisp-tender asparagus. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken breast, season generously with salt and Italian seasoning, and cook while stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the cooked tortellini, cooked asparagus, and two-thirds of the chopped cooked bacon. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the sauce thicken. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese while the sauce is boiling to create a rich, creamy consistency. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve: Sprinkle the remaining chopped cooked bacon over the top of the creamy chicken and tortellini mixture. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious 30-minute meal.
Notes
- You can steam asparagus instead of boiling for a slightly different texture and preserved nutrients.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother melting.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Reserve some bacon for topping to add a crispy, smoky contrast to the creamy pasta.
