Name: Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 white onion, minced; 8 ounces cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil and chopped; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

There’s something truly delightful about cozying up with a rich and flavorful pasta dish, and this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe fits that craving perfectly. It combines tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious tomato-cream sauce bursting with both sweet cherry tomatoes and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Every bite delivers an irresistible balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

This image shows a white pot with a few layers of ingredients cooking inside. On the bottom layer is browned, chopped onions that cover most of the pot's surface with a dark, slightly oily texture. On top of this, there is a large pool of bright red tomato sauce on the left side. To the right, there are many whole round cherry tomatoes, bright red and smooth, scattered over the onions. Near the center, there is a small pile of finely chopped red peppers or another red ingredient. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Let’s talk about the magic behind this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. Each ingredient here plays a vital role—from the hearty chicken providing protein, to the mushrooms of sun-dried and fresh tomatoes delivering a vibrant touch of acidity and sweetness, and the cheese tortellini soaking up all that creamy goodness. Simplicity meets flavor in every component.

Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds depth and a warm herbal note to the chicken and sauce.
Garlic powder: Enhances the savory elements without overpowering the dish’s balance.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and earthiness, working perfectly with fresh onion.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced): Cook quickly and stay tender, becoming the star protein of the dish.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding a light fruity richness.
Unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the sauce and balances acidity with mild creaminess.
White onion (minced): Adds a gentle sweetness and freshness cooked into the sauce.
Cherry tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Sun-dried tomatoes (drained of oil, chopped): Bring a chewy texture and concentrated, tangy tomato flavor.
Tomato sauce: Lends a smooth, rich tomato background to the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The heartbeat of this dish’s signature creaminess and luscious texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding a salty, nutty complexity.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic spice.
Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated): Pillowy pasta pockets stuffed with cheese that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Fresh basil (chopped): A bright, herbaceous finish to enliven the whole dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by creating a quick spice rub combining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Pat your chicken slices dry—this helps achieve a perfect sear. Rub the seasoning evenly on both sides to infuse flavor right into the meat. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken slices for 2 to 3 minutes per side until cooked through and beautifully golden. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Using the same skillet lets you retain all the delicious browned bits from the chicken. Melt butter over medium heat, then toss in minced onion and garlic. Let them gently soften and release their aromas for 1 to 2 minutes—it’s a fragrant base that signals good things to come. Add both the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes alongside the tomato sauce, lowering the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally and gently press about half of the cherry tomatoes with a wooden spoon to release their juicy goodness, but keep some whole for texture. Cook this vibrant mix for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make It Creamy and Cheese-Laden

Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. The sauce transforms as you add freshly grated Parmesan cheese—stir until it melts smoothly, creating a rich, velvety texture. Season the sauce further with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to your taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens just slightly, ensuring it clings beautifully to your pasta.

Step 4: Combine Tortellini and Chicken

Add the cheese tortellini directly to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece well. Allow the pasta to cook for 3 to 4 minutes so it absorbs all those fantastic flavors. Then nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning extra sauce over the top. Let everything heat through for another 3 to 5 minutes. This step melds the chicken and pasta perfectly, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Final Touches with Fresh Basil

Just before plating, stir in the chopped fresh basil for a bright and fresh contrast to the creamy texture. Serve the dish with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top if you crave an extra cheesy hit. The combination of creamy, tangy, herbaceous, and savory layers will leave everyone at your table begging for seconds.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

A white round pan filled with yellow tortellini pasta mixed with light brown cooked pieces of chicken, small red cherry tomatoes, and a creamy orange sauce. The dish is topped with chopped green basil leaves sprinkled all over. Around the pan on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl with garlic cloves, a wooden bowl with shredded cheese, a grey plate with a gold spoon, a bunch of fresh basil leaves, a bowl filled with cherry tomatoes, and a striped cloth with a silver spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is the classic finishing touch that adds pop and freshness. If you want to add more flair, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few basil leaves on top gives a stunning presentation. For a little heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes—just enough to awaken the senses without overpowering the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce, making sure none of that delicious creaminess goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, serve this dish in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the top and fresh basil garnish. Alternatively, create a pasta buffet spread so guests can personalize their plates with additional toppings like toasted pine nuts, sun-dried tomato flakes, or even a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and freshness. The cream sauce may thicken in the fridge but will loosen nicely when reheated.

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe can be frozen, but creamy pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze, place portioned servings into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from breaking. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one, to warm evenly without overheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh or refrigerated. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as per package instructions and add it to the sauce once tender.

Is this dish spicy?

No, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is mild and full of comforting flavors. If you like a bit of heat, you can always add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Yes! Shrimp, turkey, or even crispy tofu can be wonderful alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Try swapping heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile but still result in a rich and tasty dish.

What can I do to make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce the heavy cream amount and replace part of it with low-fat milk, or add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, show-stopping meal that’s both approachable and packed with layers of flavor, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is the way to go. It’s the kind of dish that hits the spot whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion—guaranteed to bring smiles to your dining table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Cherry and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need