Description
This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe is a quick and creamy dinner featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers comforting flavors and satisfying textures perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave an indulgent yet simple meal.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein
- Cheese Tortellini: 9-12 oz, fresh or frozen
- Boneless Chicken Breast: 2 medium-sized, cooked and sliced into bite-sized pieces
Sauce Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced fresh
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning. In a skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken with a touch of oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest briefly before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Tortellini: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, usually 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Drain the tortellini and reserve a little pasta water for the sauce.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet from the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Everything Together: Add the cooked tortellini and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the creamy Alfredo sauce. Cook for an additional minute to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Choose fresh ingredients like fresh Parmesan and fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the tortellini; follow package instructions to keep pasta tender without being mushy.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce as needed.
- Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid a grainy sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg