Creamy Garlic Tortellini Alfredo (One Pot)

Name: Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1-2 large chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 24 ounces Fresh Tortellini; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic (or 4 tsp Minced); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt; 1½ cups Parmesan cheese (Grated, Shredded, or both)

This Chicken Tortellini recipe is a one-pot meal with juicy chicken, homemade creamy garlic Alfredo sauce, and fresh tortellini pasta. It’s easy, filling, and everyone in the family will love it.

Another thing I love about this meal, besides the one-pot factor, is that it’s ready in just 20-30 minutes. If you love quick dinner ideas, be sure to check out my 30 Minute Chili, the Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, and also this sweet and spicy Carne Asada.

chicken breast chunks in a frying pan to make chicken tortellini with alfredo sauce.

Chicken Tortellini Recipe

This easy one-pot recipe is a slight variation on standard chicken Alfredo which is a favorite at my house. Instead of fettuccine pasta, it is made with tortellini. The creamy garlic Alfredo sauce is simmered and combined with the chicken and tortellini to create an easy and delicious meal that is filling and something kids love.

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The Homemade Alfredo Sauce in this recipe is so good, I actually made an entire post about it. It’s made with a combination of chicken broth, cream, and fresh garlic. If your sauce is a little runny, just let the pasta sit for about 5 minutes before serving. If your tortellini pasta seems a little dry, add a little extra cream or chicken broth until you have the desired consistency.

one bite of tortellini pasta, in the recipe for chicken tortelloni alfredo, alfredo tortellini.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts – boneless, skinless chicken breasts are healthy and cook up nice and juicy. Chicken thighs would also work, or even leftover chicken.
Seasoning – Italian seasoning is an easy way to add flavor with just one jar. Dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley, along with extra garlic salt are also my favorites.
Fresh Tortellini – you can usually find fresh tortellini in the refrigerated section at the grocery store. If you use frozen, you may want to cook it separately and then add to the pot once warm.
Butter – butter is a key ingredient to Alfredo sauce and adds flavor as well as creaminess.
Fresh garlic – freshly minced garlic will give this sauce the very best flavor. In a pinch you can use jarred minced garlic.
Chicken Broth – using broth instead of water adds much more flavor.
Heavy Cream – to make sure your Alfredo sauce is creamy, be sure to use heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese – you will need Parmesan cheese for the sauce, but it’s also a great way to garnish each bowl.

creamy garlic alfredo sauce with tortellini pasta, tortellini alfredo sauce.

Recipe Variations and Tips

Make sure to read the directions on your tortellini packaging. The directions on the tortellini that I used said to cook for 3 minutes. If your fresh tortellini pasta is different than that, you may want to cook your pasta in a separate pot and then add the cooked pasta to the recipe along with the chicken.
Add a generous helping of fresh spinach leaves to the pot along with the chicken and tortellini to add a little color and flavor.
If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, add a generous pinch of chili flakes to the pot along with the chicken and tortellini. For an extra hit of heat, you can also stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce or a small diced jalapeño pepper.
For a slightly different flavor profile, add about 1/2 cup of pesto sauce to the alfredo sauce just before mixing with the chicken and tortellini.

Can I use Frozen Tortellini?

You can use frozen tortellini. You will, however, need to cook them before adding them to the pasta recipe.
Just cook the tortellini according to the directions on the package. Be sure to error on the side of al-dente. Since the pasta is put in a creamy garlic sauce, it will continue to cook a little more when you add it to the homemade sauce. If you cook it only to al-dente, you will be sure to keep the pasta from overcooking.

Can I use dry tortellini pasta?

You can also use dry tortellini pasta. It’s probably best to bypass the one-pot method and cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Add the cooked pasta after you let the sauce boil for at least a minute.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this easy one-pot pasta recipe?

It would work great to use pre-cooked chicken in this homemade creamy garlic alfredo pasta recipe. You can use grilled chicken, as long as the spices used when cooking is similar to this recipe. Italian seasonings would work great.
You can also use some leftover rotisserie chicken in this recipe. It would make this recipe even easier. Just add the butter in the pan, heat until the butter is melted, add some minced garlic and sautee until fragrant and slightly golden brown.
Add chunks of the rotisserie chicken and heat in the skillet with the garlic until heated through. Take the garlic chicken out of the skillet and set aside and then and proceed with the pasta recipe.

creamy chicken alfredo in a bowl, chicken alfredo tortellini, tortellini chicken alfredo.

Storing Instructions

Refrigerator: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: cover with aluminum foil and reheat in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

More of the Best Pasta Recipes

This Creamy Garlic Tortellini Alfredo is a one-pot meal. It’s made with chunks of golden brown chicken, homemade creamy garlic sauce, and fresh tortellini pasta. It can be made in about 30 minutes and everyone loves it.