Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish has everything you love about Olive Garden’s signature Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo: a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy tortelloni. The creamy sauce is made from scratch with fresh ingredients, resulting in a rich, indulgent dish that’s a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Alfredo sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

For the tortelloni:

1 package (about 9 oz) cheese-filled tortelloni (store-bought or homemade)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown on both sides.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

2. Cook the Tortelloni:

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortelloni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes, until tender.
Drain the tortelloni and set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg (if using).

4. Combine the Dish:

Add the cooked tortelloni to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Add the sliced chicken on top of the tortelloni, tossing again to combine everything. Heat for 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is warmed through.

5. Serve:

Serve the Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total cook time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to this dish for extra flavor and nutrients.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or toss the chicken with a bit of chili powder for a subtle heat.
Shrimp Tortelloni Alfredo: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood variation of this dish.
Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter take on the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the dish gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to ensure the sauce remains creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortelloni?

Yes, you can substitute tortelloni with other types of pasta like tortellini, fettuccine, or even penne. However, the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

While homemade Alfredo sauce is much richer and tastier, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce in a pinch. Just warm it up and mix with the tortelloni and chicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken, tortelloni, and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them and combine. The sauce may need a little milk added to bring it back to the right consistency.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I freeze Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo?

While it’s not ideal to freeze the sauce as dairy-based sauces can separate, you can freeze the chicken and tortelloni separately. Reheat the chicken and pasta, then make a fresh batch of sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add garlic bread to this meal?

Absolutely! Garlic bread is a fantastic side to serve with Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo. The crusty, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Can I use a different cheese in the Alfredo sauce?

Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile. Parmesan is the essential cheese, but feel free to experiment with others if you prefer.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo recipe brings the rich, creamy flavors of the restaurant’s dish straight to your table. With tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and soft tortelloni, this dish is a perfect balance of comfort and flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests. The combination of fresh ingredients and homemade sauce will have you feeling like you’re dining at Olive Garden without ever leaving your home. Enjoy!

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo

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A delicious and creamy copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo. Tender chicken, soft cheese-filled tortelloni, and a homemade Alfredo sauce create a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Cook the Tortelloni:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortelloni according to package instructions, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add heavy cream and milk, simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, continue stirring until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (optional).
Combine the Dish:
Add the cooked tortelloni to the skillet with Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat. Add the sliced chicken on top and toss again to combine everything. Heat for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

If you prefer a spicy version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You can swap the chicken for shrimp or add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the dish for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 120mg