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Creamy chicken tortellini alfredo garnished with parsley on a white plate.

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

The Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken breast, rich cheese tortellini, and a luxurious homemade Alfredo sauce. The sauce, made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, perfectly coats the pasta for a velvety texture and bold flavor. The lightly seasoned chicken adds a hearty protein component, making this dish both satisfying and comforting. Topped with fresh parsley, it’s a visually stunning and restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon black pepper 

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 

3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 1/2 cups heavy cream 

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

Salt and pepper to taste 

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) 

For the Pasta:

1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) 

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken  : Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook the Chicken  : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Cook the Tortellini  : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce  : In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the Cream  : Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add the Cheese  : Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.

Combine Pasta and Sauce  : Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.

Add the Chicken  : Top the tortellini with the sliced chicken. Heat everything together for 1-2 minutes.

Garnish and Serve  : Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this delightful dish!

Notes

  • Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables for a different twist.
  • Tortellini Options: Use any variety of tortellini, such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom-filled, to match your flavor preferences. Fresh tortellini works best for a quicker cook time, but frozen tortellini is equally delicious.
  • Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly. Keep in mind this may result in a less rich sauce.
  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach for a vegetarian Alfredo.
  • Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is classic, you can add a mix of grated cheeses like Romano or Asiago for more depth of flavor.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.