Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, with its velvety sauce, tender bites of chicken, and cheesy tortellini. This dish is a warm, hearty hug in a bowl that comes together quickly for busy weeknights yet feels indulgent enough for a special dinner.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a quick dinner option that still felt homemade. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, I had a meal my family devoured—and it quickly became one of our favorites. Let me show you how you can make it yours.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish! This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo checks all the boxes for a perfect, family-friendly recipe.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick and easy. With store-bought tortellini and a creamy sauce that comes together in minutes, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

It’s also crowd-pleasing. From picky eaters to pasta lovers, everyone will love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish.

Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder (with the exception of boiling your tortellini). Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing pots.

Finally, it’s versatile! This recipe can be customized with your favorite proteins, veggies, or even different sauces. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or swapping in shrimp, it’s easy to make this dish your own.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the dish's perfect texture and flavor.

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini is the star of this dish. You can use fresh or frozen, but I recommend fresh for the best texture. Spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini are also delicious options!
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully here, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute.
• Heavy Cream: This is the foundation of the Alfredo sauce. Its richness creates the luxurious, creamy texture that defines the dish. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it that signature Alfredo flavor. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so grating your own is worth the effort.
• Butter and Garlic: These two ingredients create the flavorful base of the sauce. The garlic adds depth and a hint of savoriness that complements the cream.
• Seasonings: A pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning bring the dish to life.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a large skillet and a pot to cook your tortellini. A fine grater for the Parmesan is also handy.

How to Make This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Creating this creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a breeze! Here’s how to bring it all together step by step.

1. Cook the Tortellini: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the tortellini cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked tortellini and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the tortellini is coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

This dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknights or whenever you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it up.
• Freezer: While the sauce doesn’t freeze as well due to its cream base, you can freeze the cooked chicken and tortellini separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and combining with a fresh batch of Alfredo sauce.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed to prevent the sauce from separating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative!

• Protein Swap: Replace the chicken with shrimp, diced ham, or crumbled Italian sausage for a new twist.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Go Gluten-Free: Swap the tortellini for a gluten-free version or use gluten-free pasta paired with a creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Herb Upgrades: Add a handful of fresh basil or thyme for a burst of freshness.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in other cheeses like Gruyere or Asiago for an even cheesier sauce.

This recipe is endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Who knows? You might discover a new family favorite!

With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini, this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or indulging on a cozy night in, this dish delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease every time.

Print