Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Cozy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe for Dreamy Weeknights

Creamy chicken tortellini Alfredo promises a delightful culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Pasta lovers crave comfort in every single bite of this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Cheese and tender chicken create a harmonious blend of flavors that feel like a warm embrace.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each tortellini perfectly, delivering pure satisfaction with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting and indulgent.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes.

You’ll be amazed how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular that everyone will adore.

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo’s Irresistible Appeal

  • Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This chicken tortellini alfredo delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something deliciously satisfying.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for shrimp or add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to personalize the dish and keep meal times exciting for the whole family.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: The creamy parmesan sauce and tender tortellini create a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet simple enough for anyone to master, making it ideal for casual gatherings or date nights at home.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Prepare everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience that leaves more time for enjoying your delicious meal.

Ingredients List for Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Main Ingredients:
  • Tortellini: A pasta filled with cheese or meat that adds hearty texture to the dish.
  • Chicken: Protein that provides a satisfying and filling component to the Alfredo recipe.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious base for the creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp and salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients build depth and complexity of flavor in the dish.
Finishing Touches:
  • Butter, Parsley: Butter adds richness to the sauce, while parsley provides a fresh garnish and subtle herbal note.

Instructions to Make Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Drop the tortellini into a pot of salted boiling water and cook according to the package directions.

Once tender, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Melt butter in the pan and add minced garlic.

Swirl and cook until the garlic becomes aromatic and lightly golden, which takes about one minute.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic.

Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent scorching.

Step 4: Blend Cheese Sauce

Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the cream, stirring continuously.

Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Enhance the sauce’s flavor by adding Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Combine Protein and Pasta

Add cooked chicken pieces and the reserved tortellini into the sauce.

Gently toss everything to ensure each piece is generously coated with the rich, cheesy sauce.

Step 7: Warm and Blend Flavors

Continue cooking the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat through and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the chicken tortellini alfredo immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

Tips for Creamy Alfredo Perfection

  • Choose fresh or frozen tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a more authentic and creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or roasted vegetables for a different twist.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of pasta water or milk.
  • Add fresh basil or thyme for an extra layer of aromatic flavor in the dish.

Flavorful Spins on Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and swap regular flour-based pasta with certified gluten-free varieties.
  • Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and create a lighter texture.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, sundried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to give the dish a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Alfredo Pasta

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy chicken tortellini alfredo with a crisp side salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
  • Bread Pairing Paradise: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread complements the rich sauce perfectly, helping guests soak up every delicious drop.
  • Green Veggie Boost: Roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach adds a nutritious pop of color and provides a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
  • Wine Companion Choice: A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy alfredo sauce, elevating the dining experience.

Storing Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Safely

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.

  • What type of chicken works best in this dish?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover baked chicken all work great. Just make sure it’s cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.

  • How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a bit more heavy cream or include some cream cheese when melting the Parmesan to create an extra rich and smooth sauce.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less Parmesan cheese to reduce the overall calorie and fat content.

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Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken tortellini alfredo brings Italian comfort to your dinner table. Creamy parmesan sauce and tender pasta create a quick, indulgent meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

Pasta:

  • 10 ounces (280 grams) cheese tortellini

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare tortellini according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
  2. Heat butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature until melted and bubbling.
  3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 60 seconds.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to reach a gentle bubbling state while reducing heat to low.
  5. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
  6. Enhance the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, blending thoroughly.
  7. Fold in cooked chicken and prepared tortellini, ensuring each piece becomes completely enveloped in the luxurious cream sauce.
  8. Maintain skillet on low heat, warming the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until everything reaches a consistent temperature.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant garnish.
  10. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, presenting the creamy tortellini while piping hot.

Notes

  • Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack when preparing this dish.
  • Opt for fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for superior texture and flavor compared to dried varieties.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and cheese ratios – add more cream for a lighter sauce or more cheese for a richer consistency.
  • Transform into a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for added nutrition and depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 605 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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