Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, yet delivers bold, satisfying flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, soft tortellini, and velvety Alfredo sauce is pure comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s also highly adaptable—perfect for adding your favorite vegetables or using store-bought shortcuts when needed.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded)
butter
minced garlic
heavy cream
grated Parmesan cheese
cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
salt
black pepper
Italian seasoning or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (if using) and whisk until smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Add cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Veggie Add-In: Add spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
- Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for a deeper, earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Bacon Twist: Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory boost.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese amounts slightly.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works great. Just cook according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Grilled, roasted, or shredded rotisserie chicken all work well. Leftover chicken is perfect for this dish.
Can I make Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
You can, but it’s best fresh. If making ahead, store in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring to prevent separation.
Is cream cheese necessary?
No, but it adds extra creaminess. You can leave it out or replace it with more Parmesan.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Spinach, broccoli, peas, or mushrooms are all excellent additions.
What cheese works best for Alfredo sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan is classic, but you can also use Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortellini and check your other ingredients for gluten-free labeling.
How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from separating?
Use low heat and stir frequently. Avoid overheating, especially when reheating.
Can I freeze Chicken Tortellini Alfredo?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container. Reheat gently and expect a slightly different texture.
What side dishes go well with this?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this rich pasta dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish brings together the perfect balance of pasta, protein, and indulgent sauce. With its versatile ingredients and luxurious flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for any pasta night.
PrintChicken Tortellini Alfredo
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish made with cheese-filled tortellini, tender chicken, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting, restaurant-style meal perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (if using), whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Add cooked chicken and drained tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk to prevent sauce separation.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives better flavor than pre-shredded.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
