If you have a soft spot for rich, comforting pasta dishes, you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe. It brings together tender bites of chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious Alfredo sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Every forkful feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends without quite a bit of fuss. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish will quickly make it a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, fresh flavor, or a hint of seasoning that pulls everything together perfectly.
- Cheese tortellini: The star pasta for this dish, offering a wonderful cheesy filling and tender texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to golden perfection, it adds a subtle fruity note and helps with a nice sear.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and absorbs the creamy sauce wonderfully when cut into small pieces.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with an unmistakable savory aroma and depth.
- Heavy cream: The key to that ultra-rich and silky Alfredo sauce everyone loves.
- Chicken broth: Adds a layer of savory moisture that lightens the cream slightly and enhances overall flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated to melt smoothly, it delivers sharp, nutty richness and creates a velvety sauce base.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish an earthy, aromatic touch.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped at the end for a fresh burst of color and a mild herbal brightness.
- Butter: Stirred in for extra richness and a glossy finish on the sauce.
- Optional – Frozen peas or broccoli florets: Adds a pop of green and a bit of sweetness or crunch, if you want to sneak in some veggies.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—seasoning the pasta water is a simple but essential trick to boost flavor. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain and set aside. This step sets the stage for the perfect texture that holds up well once the sauce and chicken join in.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to create a beautiful golden crust on the chicken pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and slightly crisp on the edges. Removing the chicken now keeps it juicy while allowing you to build layers of flavor in the same skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about one minute. Taking care not to burn it here means you’ll get that sweet, mellow garlic flavor instead of bitterness—this little detail adds so much depth to your sauce.
Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring smoothly to mix them well. Bring this to a gentle simmer before sprinkling in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luscious, thick sauce that will coat every tortellini and chicken piece beautifully.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add the Italian seasoning along with any extra salt and pepper you feel the sauce needs. Give it a good stir so all those herbs get evenly distributed. This seasoning blend really elevates the sauce with subtle herbal hints that complement the creamy richness.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the tortellini and butter. If you’re going for a veggie boost, throw in the thawed peas or broccoli florets now. Stir everything gently so each piece is fully coated in the silky sauce, creating harmony between the ingredients.
Step 7: Let Flavors Meld
Allow the mixture to simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting time is magical—it lets the flavors intertwine, the sauce thicken just a touch more, and the filling tortellini soak up all the creamy goodness.
Step 8: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh, green note to brighten the dish while adding a lovely contrast in color. This small step truly lifts the final presentation and flavor profile.
Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Dish out your creamy chicken Alfredo tortellini while still warm, garnishing with extra Parmesan if you like. This is the perfect time to savor that first bite—velvety sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta all coming together in one unforgettable bite.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. Not only do they add a fresh herbal lift and sharpness, but they also make the dish look irresistibly vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy, rich entree with something crisp and light to balance the meal. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans adds freshness without competing with the main dish’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the tortellini directly from the skillet at the table—it keeps everything warm and encourages sharing. Alternatively, plating it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta adds both crunch and exciting texture contrast to the creamy base.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly, it stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though cream-based sauces may separate slightly on thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and tortellini separate from the sauce if possible, then reheat and combine them gently. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching and to help the sauce regain its silky texture. Adding a splash of cream or broth during reheating can restore the sauce’s creaminess if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is ideal for this recipe due to its stuffed texture, you can use mini ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne. Just be mindful of cooking times and sauce adherence.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still deliciously creamy.
Can I prepare this dish with pre-cooked chicken?
Certainly! If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply add it during the final steps to warm through without overcooking. This cuts down cooking time and makes weeknight dinners easier.
How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe?
This dish is mild and comforting without any heat. To add a little kick, feel free to sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce or on top when serving.
What’s the best way to ensure the sauce thickens properly?
Simmer the sauce slowly after adding the cheese and avoid boiling aggressively. Stirring frequently helps the Parmesan melt evenly and creates that perfect silky texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make but feels luxurious with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it hits all the right notes for a satisfying, cozy meal. Make sure to give this recipe a try soon—you’ll be happily making it on repeat in no time.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is a delicious and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken pieces and cheese-filled tortellini pasta simmered in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Enhanced with garlic, optional vegetables like peas or broccoli, and fresh parsley, it’s a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
Sauce and Seasoning
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Vegetables
- 1/2 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets, thawed
Instructions
- Cook 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 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.
- Prepare Alfredo 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 Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and any additional salt and pepper if necessary. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- 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 with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- You can add your choice of vegetables like spinach or mushrooms as optional add-ins.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoother sauce.
- Cook tortellini just until al dente to avoid overcooking when combined with the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
