Description
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream is a creamy, spicy, and savory comfort dish made with golden seared chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a garlicky Alfredo sauce. It’s easy enough for weeknights but rich enough to impress guests. Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper and herbs for that restaurant-style finish.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Bring salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions. Drain, saving a small amount of pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick.
6. Toss tortellini in the Alfredo sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
7. Slice chicken and serve over or beside tortellini. Garnish with parsley and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Let your chicken rest before slicing—it keeps the juices locked in for a tender bite.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce texture and flavor.
Don’t boil the sauce once the cream is added—simmer gently to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, Alfredo, chicken tortellini