Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It combines cheesy tortellini and tender chicken in a rich Alfredo sauce. This meal is quick to prepare, making it a favorite in many households.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo because it’s easy, tasty, and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Ingredients:
- 18 to 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (or ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the tortellini according to package directions. Once done, drain the tortellini.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds or until fragrant.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the softened cream cheese and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted into the sauce.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes or until heated through.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the tortellini with the sauce and cook for a minute. Remove from heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and fresh basil leaves, and serve.
How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Serve your Chicken Tortellini Alfredo hot. You can enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for added flavor.
How to Store Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
To store leftovers, place the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave it until hot, adding a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
Tips to Make Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
- Use freshly grated cheese for better flavor.
- Adjust the nutmeg to your taste; a little goes a long way!
- Don’t overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant, not browned.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for a healthier twist. You can also try different proteins, like shrimp or turkey, to mix things up.
FAQs
- What type of pasta is best for Alfredo?Fettuccine is the classic pasta for Alfredo, as its wide, flat shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, stuffed pastas like tortellini also work wonderfully for a hearty twist.
- Does Panera still have the chicken tortellini Alfredo?Panera Bread occasionally features chicken tortellini Alfredo as part of their seasonal or limited-time menu. Check your local Panera menu for availability.
- Is tortellini Alfredo healthy?While delicious, tortellini Alfredo is rich in calories, fat, and carbs due to the creamy sauce and cheese-filled pasta. However, you can make it lighter by using whole wheat tortellini and a reduced-fat Alfredo sauce.
- What to serve with tortellini Alfredo?Pair tortellini Alfredo with garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced and complete meal. A crisp white wine or sparkling water also complements the dish well.