Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is one of those heartwarming dishes that brings magic to your dinner table with every creamy, comforting bite. Tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luxuriously silky Alfredo sauce come together for the ultimate cozy meal — and the best part is, it’s super quick and easy! Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing a flavorful meal with loved ones, this dish is pure bliss for pasta lovers and busy cooks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to create something wonderful – each ingredient in Chicken Tortellini Alfredo plays a key role in building up big flavor and just the right texture. Let’s make every bite memorable by starting with the freshest, most flavorful basics.
- Cheese tortellini (1 pound, fresh or refrigerated): These pillowy pasta pockets add a cheesy, tender bite that soaks up sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing the chicken and getting that delicious golden exterior.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces): Satisfying and protein-rich, the chicken makes this dish a hearty main.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a deeply aromatic layer that lifts the creamy sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Brings richness and helps toast the garlic for flavor in every spoonful.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that dreamy, velvety Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, grated): Infuses savory nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and deepens all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right pinch of warmth and bite.
- Italian seasoning (¼ teaspoon): For that whisper of herby goodness you’ll taste in every forkful.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh green that brightens the whole plate.
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually takes just a few minutes for fresh or refrigerated pasta. Drain and set aside – but don’t rinse! A little starch helps the Alfredo sauce cling to every piece later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces, spacing them out so they can get that perfect golden color. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and seared. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it warm. This step adds wonderful flavor and keeps your chicken juicy.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and immediately add the minced garlic. Stir it for about 30 seconds until fragrant – don’t let it brown too much. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and then add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir often for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and all the cheese has melted into luscious creaminess.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Return your cooked chicken and drained tortellini to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, ensuring every piece of pasta and chicken is luxuriously coated in Alfredo sauce. Keep it on the heat just long enough to make sure everything is heated through and irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a little freshness that perfectly balances the richness of your Chicken Tortellini Alfredo. Serve it up warm and watch the smiles roll in!
How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley over Chicken Tortellini Alfredo makes each serving look like a chef’s masterpiece. You can also add a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or even a twist of fresh black pepper for an irresistible aroma as you dig in.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta is lovely with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette – the freshness pairs so well with the rich sauce! Add a slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop, and maybe some roasted broccoli or asparagus for color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, try serving Chicken Tortellini Alfredo family-style in a large skillet or a big, beautiful bowl in the center of the table. For a fun twist, top with sautéed mushrooms or spinach before garnishing, or serve in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs broiled on top for a little crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Tortellini Alfredo keeps so well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen deliciously as it sits, so it’s just as tempting the next day!
Freezing
While tortellini pasta and creamy sauces can sometimes get a touch grainy when frozen, you can stash leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To revive your Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps restore that silky sauce. Stir frequently and heat until just warmed through to keep everything tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works well – simply cook according to the package instructions before adding to your Alfredo. It may need an extra minute or so of boiling, but the result is equally tasty.
What other proteins can I use in Chicken Tortellini Alfredo?
This recipe is all about flexibility. Feel free to swap in cooked shrimp or slices of Italian sausage if you want to change up the protein, or go entirely meatless by doubling the tortellini and adding extra veggies.
Can I make the Alfredo sauce lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. The sauce will be a touch less rich, but it’ll still coat the pasta and chicken beautifully.
How can I add more vegetables?
Toss in a handful of fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or peas with the chicken just before combining with the sauce. It’s a great way to add flavor, color, and a little extra nutrition!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Always add a splash of milk or cream, then reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave. Stir often and don’t let it boil – this keeps the sauce creamy and the tortellini soft.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Chicken Tortellini Alfredo enough for weeknights, gatherings, or anytime you need a bit of comfort on your plate. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, and I hope you’ll be inspired to make it part of your own kitchen traditions. Give it a try – I promise, it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Print
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of Chicken Tortellini Alfredo with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender cheese tortellini and juicy chicken breast pieces are coated in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Chicken:
1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce:
2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken pieces in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add tortellini. Stir until well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Try using grilled or blackened chicken for extra flavor.
- Enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk.
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