Name: Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 9 oz refrigerated tortellini; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen at 6 p.m., hungry family waiting, and your brain drawing a complete blank on what to cook. That’s when I reach for this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting, yet quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

This dish is the best of both worlds: pillowy tortellini stuffed with cheese, juicy shredded chicken, and a velvety Alfredo sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s basically the definition of comfort food pasta. And here’s the kicker—it only takes 25 minutes from start to finish. Yes, you read that right. Dinner on the table in less time than it takes to binge an episode of your favorite show.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, rushing between after-school activities, or just craving something indulgent after a long day, this recipe will become your new quick family dinner staple.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Fast & easy: Just 25 minutes start to finish.
Creamy perfection: A simple homemade Alfredo sauce that feels restaurant-worthy.
Family-friendly: Kids love cheesy tortellini, adults love the rich flavor.
One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

9 oz refrigerated tortellini
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions (about 4–6 minutes). Drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in cream, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Add shredded chicken and cooked tortellini. Toss until everything is coated in sauce.
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Creamiest Alfredo

Warm the cream slowly: High heat can cause separation. Gentle simmering is the secret.
Fresh Parmesan > pre-grated: It melts smoother and gives a richer flavor.
Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this an easy chicken Alfredo recipe.
Make it extra cheesy: Add a handful of mozzarella for an extra gooey sauce.
Add veggies: Broccoli, peas, or spinach sneak in greens without complaints.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this, it was purely out of desperation. I had leftover chicken, a package of tortellini staring at me from the fridge, and zero motivation to cook something complicated. Ten minutes later, my kids were twirling creamy pasta around their forks like it was the best thing they’d ever eaten.

Now it’s become my “in case of emergency” dinner. You know the kind—when you want to impress without actually trying. Every time I serve it, my husband asks if I’ve been hiding an Italian grandmother in the kitchen. Spoiler: nope, just cream, cheese, and pasta magic.

What to Serve with Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

This dish is rich, so pairing it with something lighter balances the meal:

Garlic bread or breadsticks: For that essential sauce-dipping moment.
Crisp salad: Caesar or arugula with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.
Roasted veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini roast up quickly while the pasta cooks.
Glass of wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay makes this weeknight feel like date night.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freeze? Not recommended—cream sauces don’t hold up well in the freezer.

This makes it a better candidate for cooking fresh, but trust me—you’ll be happy to enjoy the leftovers for lunch.

FAQs About Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just add 1–2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For best results, stick with heavy cream.

What chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut, but grilled or baked chicken breasts also work.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chicken earlier, then just cook the tortellini before serving.

The Final Bite

This Chicken Tortellini Alfredo proves that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be downright delicious. With cheesy pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy sauce that clings to every bite, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy.

So next time you need a comfort food pasta fix without spending hours in the kitchen, remember this recipe—it’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn you “best cook in the house” status.

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