There's nothing quite like the rich, velvety goodness of Chicken Tortellini Alfredo to transform an ordinary evening into a special occasion. The tender chicken, pillowy tortellini, and luxurious Alfredo sauce come together in perfect harmony for a meal that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.

I discovered this dish while searching for something quick yet decadent to make on a chilly weeknight. Now, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress my family or need a little pick-me-up after a long day.
Get your pots and pans ready because this recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Get ready to savor your new favorite comfort food. Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a recipe you’ll return to again and again for all the right reasons.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table, perfect for those busy evenings when time is short but you still crave something satisfying.
Next, it’s a one-pan wonder. Apart from boiling the tortellini, the entire dish comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes?
And let’s not forget the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Made from scratch with just a handful of ingredients, it’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a jar. Each bite is bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Finally, this recipe is versatile and family-friendly. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk ingredients!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Chicken Tortellini Alfredo lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Cheese tortellini: The star of the dish! Look for fresh tortellini in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. These little pasta pockets are filled with cheese and cook up quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. They’re lean, tender, and cook up beautifully in the creamy sauce. If you prefer, chicken thighs are a great alternative for a richer flavor.
- Butter and olive oil: A combination of these two ensures the chicken browns perfectly without sticking, while adding depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: This is what makes the Alfredo sauce so luxurious. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable for this recipe. It melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, savory flavor you’ll love.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced, infuse the dish with that irresistible garlicky aroma.
- Chicken broth: A splash of broth helps to thin the sauce slightly and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Optional equipment: A large skillet with a lid is ideal for this recipe, along with a fine grater for your Parmesan cheese.
How to Make This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Creating this creamy, dreamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dinner that’s ready to wow in no time.
- Cook the tortellini: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked tortellini and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the Alfredo sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, and serve hot. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare with this dish!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerator: Store the chicken and tortellini in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: While the creamy sauce may not freeze perfectly, you can freeze the cooked chicken and tortellini separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and make a fresh batch of Alfredo sauce.
- Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
Variations and Substitutions
This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is endlessly customizable. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Add veggies: Stir in some steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
- Switch the protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or even crispy pancetta for a different twist.
- Go spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortellini and check that all your ingredients (like broth and Parmesan) are gluten-free.
- Herb it up: Finish the dish with fresh basil or a handful of chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.
Experiment and let your creativity shine. This dish is all about making it your own!
There you have it – the ultimate Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this creamy, satisfying dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and watch your loved ones swoon!
PrintChicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Indulge in this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe, a perfect comfort food featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy Alfredo sauce for an irresistible meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 (10 oz) package of cheese tortellini
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the Alfredo sauce and heavy cream (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
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