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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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