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Close-up of cheese tortellini with Parmesan, parsley, and a fork on the plate.
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4.91 from 10 votes

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Cheese tortellini pasta and tender chicken get smothered in a creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce. This is a decadent and comforting dinner that is so fast and easy to make. Put this on your regular rotation for quick dinners.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: dinner, Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Keyword: alfredo with tortellini, chicken tortellini alfredo
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

  • 1 (10 ounce) package cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 ounces
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper or use black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 8 ounces cooked chicken shredded or sliced
  • salt

Garnish

  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of cooking water and drain the pasta. Set aside while you make the sauce. 
    A pot of boiling water with pasta.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    Overhead view of white pot on stove with browning melted butter.
  • Pour in the cream and let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes to reduce it and make it slightly thicker. 
    Hand pours milk into melted butter in a skillet.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese melts. 
    White pot with melted butter, cheese, pepper, and nutmeg on stovetop.
  • Stir in the chicken and drained pasta. Stir until heated all the way through. The sauce will thicken as the pasta and cheese mingle a while. If the sauce is too thick, add the pasta water to thin it out. Season with salt if needed.
    Pot of cheese tortellini, shredded chicken, and creamy white sauce on stove.
  • Serve with extra grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Notes

Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives Alfredo its signature flavor. Whole nutmeg holds its flavor longer than pre-ground. Grate it fresh with a microplane if you can.
Chicken measurement: Eight ounces of shredded chicken is about 2 cups. If sliced or cubed, it will measure slightly more.
Season later: Parmesan varies in saltiness, so always taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
Portion size: This is a rich, filling dish that serves 4 as a main course. Pair it with garlic bread, salad, or steamed veggies, and it can easily stretch to 6 servings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 676kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 191mg | Sodium: 745mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
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