Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe. This dish perfectly blends tender, juicy chicken with pillowy cheese tortellini, all enveloped in a luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce that is rich but never overwhelming. Each bite bursts with comfort and elegance, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special treat to share with loved ones. The balance of creamy textures, savory notes, and fresh herb brightness makes this recipe an absolute favorite in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce and the fresh parsley garnish, these basics come together to create a spectacular dish.

• 1 pound cheese tortellini: These stuffed pasta pockets bring a delightful cheesy texture that melts in your mouth.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces: Provides hearty protein with a juicy, tender finish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and subtle spice.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the velvety, silky base for that signature Alfredo sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness with a savory, light touch.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every component.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh hint of brightness to finish.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce with smooth texture and mild sweetness.
• Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets, thawed: A cheerful pop of green and a bit of crunch for added nutrition.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water—salting the water is key as it seasons the pasta from within. Add the cheese tortellini and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, which means tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside; this ensures it won’t overcook later in the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the small pieces of chicken, seasoned generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cooking the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, is important for juicy, flavorful bites that anchor the dish perfectly. Once done, remove the chicken and keep it warm while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cooking it for about a minute releases its fragrant oils, infusing the base of your sauce with a savory aroma. Be careful not to burn it; a gentle sizzle is all you need to unlock its flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine all the flavors left behind from the chicken and garlic. Bring this mixture to a simmer to start thickening. Once warm, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add the Italian seasoning along with additional salt and pepper to taste. This small addition brings a herby depth that complements the cheesy, creamy sauce and tender chicken. Stir well to meld all these flavors together.

Step 6: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Extras

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the tortellini and a tablespoon of butter. If you’re incorporating peas or broccoli, toss them in now for a fresh burst of color and texture. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with that irresistible sauce.

Step 7: Let It Simmer

Allow the mixture to simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors can harmonize beautifully. This moment melds the creaminess with the savory chicken and cheesy pasta, making each bite utterly satisfying.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This final touch adds just the right note of brightness, cutting through the richness and lifting the entire dish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top before serving for a gorgeous, flavorful finish. A small drizzle of olive oil or a few additional parsley leaves can also brighten the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the luscious Alfredo sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also create a perfect meal complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve the tortellini in a large, shallow bowl allowing everyone to dig in and share the comforting goodness. Alternatively, for a more refined presentation, plate individual servings delicately garnished with a sprig of parsley and a Parmesan crisp for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it a wonderful option for next-day meals or quick lunches.

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe freezes well if you have extra portions. To freeze, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, warm in the microwave using short intervals to avoid overheating and separating the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken breasts provide the best texture, you can use frozen chicken if thawed completely first. Cooking frozen chicken directly may result in uneven cooking, so it’s best to thaw prior to preparing the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and toss in extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. Adding hearty vegetables keeps the dish filling and flavorful without meat.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick and rich. To compensate, add a little extra Parmesan cheese or a small amount of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

What type of cheese tortellini works best?

Fresh cheese tortellini is ideal for its tender texture and vibrant flavor, but high-quality store-bought refrigerated or frozen tortellini also works well. Just be sure not to overcook it to keep the perfect bite.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for guests?

Yes! You can cook everything except combining the pasta and sauce, then store the components separately. Finish cooking and combine right before serving for a fresh, impressive meal with minimal stress.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe is one of those unforgettable dishes that brings comfort and joy every time you make it. With its harmonious blend of textures and bold, soothing flavors, it quickly becomes a go-to meal for busy nights or special occasions. I encourage you to try it out and share the warmth and deliciousness with your favorite people—you’ll be so glad you did!

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe

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4.4 from 42 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces, cheese tortellini, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Enhanced with fresh garlic and parsley, and optionally peas or broccoli, this stovetop recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner that comes together in under an hour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound cheese tortellini

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter

Vegetables (Optional)

• 1/2 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets, thawed

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and any additional salt and pepper if necessary. Stir well.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the tortellini and butter. If using, toss in the peas or broccoli. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce.
7. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for another 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
9. Serve: Serve warm, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked through completely before adding to sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
• This recipe can be prepared ahead by cooking chicken and pasta separately and combining when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian