Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

There is nothing quite like a creamy, comforting pasta dish to make a weeknight feel special, and this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a luscious Alfredo sauce, generously dotted with tender pieces of juicy chicken and just the right hint of garlic and Parmesan. It’s a rich, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, bringing the essence of Italian comfort right to your dining table in just 30 minutes. Each bite is a warm hug of cheesy, velvety goodness that has quickly become one of my all-time favorite dinners to share with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe shines because of its straightforward and fresh ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture from silky sauce to tender chicken and pasta.

• Cheese tortellini (9 oz): The star pasta filled with creamy cheese that melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps cook the chicken to golden perfection while adding a subtle fruity note.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2): Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy and even cooking, delivering tender protein.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory aroma that elevates every bite.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the rich, creamy base of the Alfredo sauce that clings lovingly to the tortellini.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce slightly and adds subtle savory depth.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A burst of color and a fresh herbal note to brighten the dish.
• Optional pinch of nutmeg: Adds a warm, cozy spice that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually means boiling them for just a few minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are perfectly tender. Drain carefully and set them aside so they’re ready to soak up all that luscious Alfredo sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure every piece gets a lovely sear. The golden crust on the chicken is what brings that irresistible texture and savory flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for just about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. Garlic’s fragrance is the heart and soul of any good Alfredo, adding a delicate but unmistakable savoriness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce

Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream right into the skillet, stirring gently. Bring this lovely combo to a gentle simmer, allowing the cream to warm and start melding with the broth. This stage is where the magic begins, as the base for your velvety sauce takes form.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

This is the moment to stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt slowly, thickening the sauce and adding a deep, nutty flavor that is absolutely essential for an authentic Alfredo. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg to give the sauce a subtle warmth that elevates the whole dish. Let the sauce thicken for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently so it stays smooth and silky.

Step 6: Toss in the Tortellini

Add your cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Make sure each piece of stuffed pasta is lovingly coated in that decadent sauce and mingling well with the flavorful chicken. This combination is the heart of the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe—the creamy sauce wrapping every bite in deliciousness.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh splash of color and a mild herbal brightness. This simple garnish makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes.

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the fresh parsley, consider topping your Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe with extra Parmesan cheese or a small drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat for those who like a little spice. Finely chopped basil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also provide a welcome contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads—think arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette or mixed baby greens with thinly sliced radishes. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect to mop up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus add a colorful, healthy balance to the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special family meal, serve the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Garnish each serving individually with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality look. You can also try layering the pasta in a casserole dish, topping with breadcrumbs and broiling briefly for a crispy, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain most of that creamy goodness.

Freezing

This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the texture of the cream sauce and tortellini can change upon thawing. However, if you do freeze leftovers, use airtight containers or freezer bags and consume within 1 month for best taste.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently for an even, creamy texture. Microwaving works too but be careful not to overheat, which can cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh. Just adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions, usually a little longer than fresh pasta, and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. To maintain creaminess, stirring in a little cream cheese or cornstarch slurry can help.

Can I use other types of cheese tortellini?

Certainly, cheese tortellini is traditional, but you can experiment with spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled tortellini for different flavors that still pair beautifully with the Alfredo sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?

Yes! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are generally crowd-pleasers, and the simple seasoning can be adjusted to taste. You can always serve any veggies on the side to keep things familiar for picky eaters.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To go dairy-free, consider substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. Use olive oil to cook the chicken and add plenty of garlic and herbs to keep the sauce flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that makes every meal feel special without hours in the kitchen. The blend of tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and rich Alfredo sauce creates a harmony of flavors that’s impossible to resist. I encourage you to try it soon—whether for a cozy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends—and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

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4.3 from 84 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with cheese-filled tortellini pasta, all enveloped in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini

Chicken and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to begin forming the sauce.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Thicken Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. If desired, add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
6. Toss Tortellini in Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini back into the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and chicken.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition and color.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian