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Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe is a delicious and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions, offering a comforting yet elegant meal with balanced flavors and minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced or cubed

Pasta

  • 912 oz cheese tortellini

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes. Drain and reserve a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Combine Cheese and Sauce: Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
  5. Mix Tortellini and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce and warm through for a couple of minutes.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the dish. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
  • Do not overcook tortellini; slightly undercook to prevent mushiness after combining with sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed, benefiting from its starch content.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and juicy texture.
  • Simmer sauce gently without boiling to prevent cream separation or burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Tortellini, Creamy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food