Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe: A Family Favorite

Creamy chicken alfredo tortellini brings comfort right to your dinner table with an irresistible twist.

Pasta lovers understand how this classic dish can turn an ordinary evening into something magical.

Rich Italian flavors merge beautifully in every delightful bite.

Cheese-filled tortellini swim in a velvety sauce that whispers pure indulgence.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless when you can whip up such a crowd-pleasing meal in minutes.

Subtle garlic notes and tender chicken chunks create a symphony of taste that makes everyone request seconds.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that promises to become your new go-to dinner solution.

Chicken Alfredo Tortellini That Hits Creamy Comfort Just Right

  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner solution.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Creamy Alfredo sauce and cheesy tortellini combine to create an irresistibly rich and indulgent dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Customization Playground: Easily swap chicken for shrimp, add vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Requires minimal cooking skills and uses basic ingredients, making it an excellent option for beginner cooks and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Alfredo Tortellini with Chicken Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, boneless and skinless works best.
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that serves as the primary carbohydrate and adds richness to the meal, fresh or frozen options work well.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the Alfredo sauce, full-fat version recommended.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, freshly grated preferred over pre-packaged.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic quality to the dish, fresh cloves offer the best flavor.
  • Olive Oil or Butter: Helps sauté garlic and provides a rich cooking base, choose based on personal preference.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity to the sauce, blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste, freshly ground black pepper recommended.
  • Nutmeg: Optional spice that adds warm, subtle background note to the creamy sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

Tortellini Alfredo Pasta Steps

Step 1: Boil Delicious Tortellini

Drop tortellini into a pot of salted boiling water.

Follow package cooking time carefully.

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

Step 2: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

Warm a large skillet over medium heat.

Add butter or olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic.

Sauté until golden and fragrant, releasing delightful kitchen aromas.

Step 3: Whip Up Velvety Alfredo Sauce

Lower the skillet temperature to gentle heat.

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Nutmeg (optional)

Stir ingredients until sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Fold cooked chicken pieces into the creamy sauce.

Add tortellini and gently toss until every morsel is lavishly coated.

Warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the luxurious dish to serving plates.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for indulgent flavor.

Serve piping hot and enjoy immediately.

Creamy Tricks For Chicken Alfredo Tortellini

  • Select high-quality tortellini and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
  • Lower the heat when adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling, ensuring a smooth and silky Alfredo sauce every time.
  • Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon to create delightful variations of this classic dish.
  • Add more cream if the sauce becomes too thick, or simmer briefly to thicken if it's too runny, achieving the perfect creamy texture.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano to elevate the overall taste and aroma of the Chicken Alfredo Tortellini.

Reheating Chicken Alfredo Tortellini

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
  • Freeze cooled chicken Alfredo tortellini in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What Pairs With Alfredo Tortellini

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate tortellini flavors. Its buttery notes will enhance the richness of the Alfredo.
  • Create Herb-Infused Salad Side: Prepare a light mixed green salad with fresh basil, arugula, and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creaminess. The bright, tangy elements will balance the heavy sauce.
  • Match with Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra Alfredo sauce. The crispy texture and additional garlic notes will perfectly complement the tortellini's creamy profile.
  • Elevate with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs. These caramelized vegetables will add a fresh, slightly charred contrast to the rich pasta dish.

Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe Twists

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories and create a tangy flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly adaptation.

FAQs

  • What is tortellini?

Tortellini is a ring-shaped pasta originating from Italy, typically stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables. It’s smaller and has a distinctive circular shape with a folded edge.

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it completely and ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before adding to the Alfredo sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • How do I know when the Alfredo sauce is ready?

The sauce is ready when it’s smooth, slightly thickened, and coats the back of a spoon. It should have a creamy consistency without being too runny or too thick.

  • Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also add plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for extra nutrition.

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Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade Chicken Alfredo Tortellini promises pure pasta perfection with rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken nestled in delicate pasta pockets. Italian-inspired comfort arrives straight to your dinner table, inviting you to savor each luxurious, cheesy bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Dairy and Cream Components:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasoning and Herbs:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tortellini according to the package directions, ensuring they are cooked to al dente perfection. Once done, carefully drain and set aside, keeping them warm.
  2. Select a generously sized skillet and warm the olive oil or butter over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence and become translucent without browning, which should take approximately 45-60 seconds.
  3. Reduce the skillet’s heat to low, then gently pour in the heavy cream. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently to create a velvety smooth sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg if desired, continuing to blend until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy.
  4. Fold the pre-cooked chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each morsel is lavishly coated. Add the reserved tortellini, gently tossing to distribute the sauce evenly and allow the pasta to absorb the rich flavors.
  5. Allow the entire mixture to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, which will help meld the flavors and ensure everything is heated uniformly.
  6. Transfer to serving plates, finishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an optional dusting of additional Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of elegance.

Notes

  • Check tortellini package for precise cooking times to prevent overcooking, which can make pasta mushy and ruin the dish’s texture.
  • Select pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra flavor and reduces kitchen prep work.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, ensuring a silky smooth coating on tortellini.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant guests or plant-based diets, maintaining the creamy richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 730
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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