This easy and creamy Alfredo Chicken Tortellini recipe takes 25 minutes to make. It combines store-bought refrigerated cheese tortellini, leftover chicken, and a rich Parmesan cheese sauce. This pasta dish is perfect for a quick midweek dinner!
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🗝️ Recipe's key points
- A quick and easy dinner option that you can have ready in less than 30 minutes from scratch!
- Easily customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Only 8 ingredients with the convenience of rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled or baked chicken.
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is full of cheesy flavor. It has protein-packed chicken, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Make it your next family dinner favorite!
🛒 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
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- Cheese tortellini - You can find refrigerated tortellini for this recipe in the deli section of most grocery stores. Frozen tortellini is also an option, but then you must adjust the cooking time.
- Chicken broth or stock - The perfect way to add liquid to your sauce without diluting flavor! Feel free to use low-sodium broth or stock, as required.
- Heavy cream - This adds delicious flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. You can use half-and-half instead for a lighter version, though this can create a thinner consistency.
- Garlic Powder - Adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese - Always use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese. It melts better into the sauce and provides a richer taste.
- 1 cup cooked chicken - Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and for convenience. Alternatively, you can also cook chicken breasts or thighs for this chicken tortellini alfredo.
- Seasoning - A simple seasoning of salt and freshly ground pepper is all you need. Adjust as needed, and only once you have tasted the cooked sauce.
- Fresh parsley (optional) - A light sprinkle of fresh parsley makes each serving of chicken tortellini alfredo look more appetizing. It also adds a nice touch of freshness.
🗒 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Boil the cheese tortellini in a pot of salted water for 5-7 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain the tortellini and set aside. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese to a large skillet or saucepan.
- Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat. Keep going until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts completely. This will give you a smooth Alfredo sauce.
- Add the chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat fully.
- Make sure that the cooked tortellini is drained and ready to add to the sauce.
- Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with chicken and Alfredo sauce.
- Gently toss the tortellini into the chicken and sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish the assembled chicken tortellini alfredo with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately as a complete meal or with your favorite side dishes.
🥫 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce's creaminess.
While tortellini freezes well, the Alfredo sauce may separate after freezing.
📚 Variations
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the Alfredo sauce for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition.
- Use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken in this dish for a lovely meaty twist.
- You can try different types of tortellini. Consider using mushroom tortellini. Spinach and ricotta tortellini are also great choices. If you want something heartier, go for a meat-based option like pork tortellini.
- Make a vegetarian tortellini Alfredo dish by removing the chicken and adding your favorite veggies instead.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- If the sauce isn’t thick enough for you, let it simmer a few more minutes. You can also add a cornstarch slurry, which is just cornstarch mixed with a bit of broth or water.
- Be gentle when you toss the tortellini to coat it so that it doesn’t break apart.
- The sauce will naturally thicken in storage with some getting absorbed by the tortellini. Add a splash of broth or cream when you reheat leftovers and avoid water to prevent a diluted flavor in the sauce.
🤔 FAQs
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the tortellini and sauce separately, then combine them when ready to serve. Gently reheat the sauce over low heat to avoid separating.
Rotisserie chicken is recommended for convenience and flavor, but you can cook chicken breasts or thighs. Leftover grilled or baked chicken also works well.
If the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir it over low heat until it’s just right for you.
Parmesan is the classic choice for Alfredo sauce. However, you can also use Romano, Asiago, or a mix of Italian cheeses if you want a different taste.
A crisp Italian white, like Pinot Grigio, enhances the creamy sauce beautifully. A light Chianti adds depth for red wine lovers without overpowering the dish.
📗 Related Recipes
- Alfredo Baked Tortellini - Similar to comforting and hearty lasagna, this Alfredo baked tortellini recipe combines layers of delicious ingredients instead of mixing them together!
- Tortellini Soup - This irresistible soup combines cheese tortellini with browned Italian sausage, softened vegetables, and a rich tomato broth.
- One Pot Three Cheese Tortellini - If you love cheesy pasta then you'll go wild for this one-pot recipe with three cheese tortellini. This meatless dish features a bright parmesan-cream and tomato sauce. It's a great choice for vegetarians or when you want a break from meat.
🍽 What to serve with Alfredo Chicken Tortellini
This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a simple arugula salad. For a complete meal, you may also serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
🔪 All Our Way recommends the following
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You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
- Medium size pot - To boil the cheese tortellini according to the package directions.
- Skillet or saucepan - A large skillet or saucepan works best. It helps you toss and coat all the ingredients evenly and easily.
- Measuring cups - To accurately measure both dry and wet ingredients in this recipe.
- Measuring spoons - Mostly used to measure the seasonings.
- Wooden mixing spoon - Great for stirring the sauce and combining the ingredients.
📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
There's nothing better than a facile e veloce (quick and easy) recipe that makes everyone happy. This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is just that! It's often been a pranzo o cena (lunch or dinner) saver for our family. I know it will become your favorite, too!
Whether you're short on time or just craving something creamy and comforting, this dish delivers every single time. Once you experience that creamy goodness and the joy of cooking it up in no time, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Plus it's perfect for sharing with family or friends -- everyone will be coming back for seconds! Buon appetito!
Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Equipment Needed
- Medium-sized pot
- Skillet or saucepan
Ingredients
- 9 oz. package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken I used rotisserie
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley to garnish optional
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions (about 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix continuously until the sauce thickens and the cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth Alfredo sauce.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the sauce. Finally, add the drained tortellini and gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient time-saver, but you can also cook your own chicken breast or thighs.
Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better into the sauce.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce may be a bit thinner. Tip:
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes or add a bit more cornstarch (dissolved in a little broth or water first). Variations of the Recipe:
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Swap out the chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for a different twist on the recipe. Serve With:
This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a simple green salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal. Storage and Freezing Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
While tortellini freezes well, the Alfredo sauce may separate after freezing.
Nutrition
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