Go Back
Easy Caesar Chicken Tortellini (Lightened Up) photo

Caesar Chicken Tortellini (Lightened Up)

A lighter take on creamy Caesar tortellini with marinated chicken, a tangy Parmesan sauce, and crunchy homemade croutons.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for chicken marinade
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice for chicken marinade
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for chicken marinade
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard for chicken marinade
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for chicken marinade
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper for chicken marinade
  • 12 oz cheese tortellini package
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided (use in sauce and croutons)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice for sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard for sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for 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 for sauce seasoning
  • 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 (about 1/3 less fat used)
  • 3 cups French baguette bread cubed (approx. 1/2–1" pieces) for croutons
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for croutons (from the divided amount above)
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan for croutons
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for croutons
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt for croutons
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large freezer bag or bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • cutting board & knife
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tbsp Dijon, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper in a large freezer bag or bowl. Add the chicken, toss to coat, then refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini until al dente per package directions; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan, 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/8 tsp salt. Add cubed bread and toss to coat, spread on a baking sheet and bake about 10 minutes or until golden.
  4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry, and sear undisturbed 3–5 minutes until browned. Flip, cover, reduce heat to medium and cook 5–7 minutes more until cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then chop or slice.
  5. In the same large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté ~30 seconds. Sprinkle in 3 tbsp flour and cook, stirring, about 2 minutes to form a roux.
  6. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in 2 cups milk. Add 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tbsp Dijon, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp fish sauce, 2 tsp chicken bouillon and the dried seasonings (1/2 tsp each parsley, basil, onion powder, salt; 1/4 tsp each oregano and pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes).
  7. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce slightly thickens. Reduce to low and stir in the 2 oz softened cream cheese until smooth, then add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and stir until melted.
  8. Add cooked tortellini and chopped chicken to the sauce and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Adjust salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste.
  9. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan, the baked croutons and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • May substitute 2 ½ cups chopped rotisserie chicken breasts.
  • Croutons can be prepared days in advance and stored in an airtight container.