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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 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.
- Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and any additional salt and pepper if necessary. Stir well.
- 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.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for another 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- 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
