Description
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts and cheese-stuffed tortellini in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe combines savory flavors and comforting textures, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese-stuffed tortellini
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing thinly.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until just tender. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked tortellini and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen tortellini for best texture.
- Do not overcook tortellini to avoid mushiness; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Simmer the cream gently to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Taste and season gradually to balance flavors.
- Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Family Friendly, Alfredo Sauce
