Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines two comfort food staples—creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta—into one satisfying meal. Using tortellini adds a cheesy surprise in every bite, while the creamy, garlic-infused Alfredo sauce ties everything together. It’s hearty, quick to prepare, and perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients

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

• Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• Chicken breast or thighs, cooked and sliced
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
• Spinach or peas (optional add-ins)

Directions

1. Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add cooked, sliced chicken and sauté for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Continue to cook until sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the Alfredo sauce.
7. Optional: Stir in fresh spinach or peas and cook for 1–2 more minutes until just wilted or heated through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Total time is approximately 25–30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• Bacon Alfredo Tortellini: Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor boost.
• Veggie Version: Omit chicken and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Garlic Lover’s: Increase the garlic for a more robust flavor.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Avoid freezing, as creamy sauces can separate and change texture after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well in this recipe.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little cream cheese, but the sauce may be thinner.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Cook the sauce gently over medium-low heat and avoid boiling once the cheese is added.

Can I use a store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, but homemade Alfredo has better flavor and takes only a few minutes to make.

What cheeses work best in Alfredo sauce?

Parmesan is traditional, but you can also use Pecorino Romano or a bit of mozzarella for added creaminess.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Try spinach, peas, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Tortellini Alfredo?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent sides.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, its creamy and cheesy flavor is a big hit with kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and pillowy tortellini, it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels fancy without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

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Chicken Taco Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot dish that blends Tex-Mex taco flavors with hearty pasta. Made with tender chicken, taco seasoning, cheese, and a rich sauce, it’s an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One-Pot Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or 4 oz softened cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add shredded chicken and taco seasoning. Mix well to coat the chicken in spices.
3. Stir in Rotel, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add uncooked pasta, stir, and cover. Cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream (or cream cheese) and shredded cheese until creamy and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve hot with sour cream if desired.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
• Add corn, black beans, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust spice by using mild or spicy taco seasoning and Rotel.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
• This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg