Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Spinach Tortellini

Ingredients

• Chicken: 4-6 cutlets or 3 boneless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally)
• Seasonings and Coating: Kosher salt, black pepper, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking Fats: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons salted butter
• Vegetables and Herbs: 2 shallots, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme), red pepper flakes
• Other: 3 cups fresh baby spinach, 3/4 cup dry white wine, 1 cup low sodium chicken broth, 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen), 3/4 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, juice from 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
   • Dredge the chicken in a mix of flour and garlic powder, pressing to adhere.

2. Sear the Chicken:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
   • Sauté shallots, garlic, and thyme with a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add butter and spinach, cooking until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Liquids and Tortellini:

   • Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Cook until reduced slightly, about 8 minutes.
   • Add the tortellini and cook for 2 minutes.
   • Stir in cream and parmesan until melted and creamy.

5. Finish the Dish:

   • Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, or until warmed through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
   • Serve the chicken topped with the spinach cream sauce. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and extra parmesan.

Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a fresh, tangy note.
• Tortellini: If using frozen tortellini, adjust cooking time as needed to ensure it’s cooked through.
• Cream Substitute: If using coconut milk, it will add a slight coconut flavor which pairs well with the other ingredients.

Enjoy your delicious meal! If you have any questions or need further modifications, feel free to ask.