This Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream Recipe is a heavenly blend of tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and pillowy cheese tortellini all bathed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with just the right kick of spice. It’s the perfect dish for those nights when you want something comforting yet exciting on your plate, combining the smooth silkiness of cheese and cream with bold, layered spices that dance on your palate. Every forkful feels like a warm hug, making it a guaranteed favorite to share with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the balance of flavors and textures that make this dish shine. From the juicy chicken to the aromatic garlic and creamy Parmesan, everything comes together with ease.
- Chicken breasts or thighs, 1.5 lbs: Choose thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breasts for leaner protein.
- Cheese tortellini, 10 oz: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini adds that comforting, cheesy bite that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: This is your flavor powerhouse, infusing the dish with its irresistible aroma and zing.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Perfect for searing chicken to golden perfection without burning.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic in the sauce.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: The silky base of the Alfredo sauce that brings all components together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup: Provides deep, savory notes and the signature cheesy creaminess.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: A fragrant blend that elevates the chicken seasoning beautifully.
- Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon each: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste): The star of spice that wakes up the creamy sauce.
- Chopped parsley or basil, 1 tablespoon (optional): A fresh, green finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry—this helps achieve a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. This spice mixture sets the foundation for that irresistible spicy garlic chicken flavor that is key to this recipe.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place your seasoned chicken in the hot pan and cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The sear locks in juices and builds that rich flavor you crave. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce and tortellini.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. It should be tender yet firm. Reserve a little pasta water before draining as it will come in handy to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt gently. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for just about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—this mellow garlic flavor forms the aromatic heart of the Alfredo sauce.
Step 5: Create the Cheesy Alfredo Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer softly in the skillet. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, turning the mixture into a luxuriously creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a small splash of reserved tortellini water to get that perfect, silky consistency.
Step 6: Combine Tortellini with Sauce
Toss the cooked tortellini into the Alfredo cream sauce. Let them simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of that spicy garlic goodness. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and creaminess.
Step 7: Plate with Sliced Chicken
Slice your rested chicken into tender strips and arrange them on top or alongside the saucy tortellini on each plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little color and added kick if you like it spicier.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil is perfect for adding a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the rich creaminess beautifully. Don’t skip a dash of extra crushed red pepper flakes if you want to turn up the heat and impress your spice lover guests.
Side Dishes
This dish is delightfully rich, so pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that dreamy Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an irresistible presentation, try serving this recipe in sizzling skillets to keep it warm and create a rustic, restaurant-style vibe. Or, plate the chicken sliced beautifully over the tortellini with carefully drizzled sauce and a sprig of fresh herbs for an elegant touch that’s perfect even for casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to separate the chicken and tortellini if you can, to keep everything at its best.
Freezing
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream Recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze just the cooked chicken and tortellini separately without the sauce if possible, as cream sauces can sometimes separate on thawing. Reheat gently and add fresh cream or cheese to refresh the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps restore the creamy texture and keeps it luscious and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is ideal for its filled, cheesy center, you can swap in other fresh pastas like ravioli or even a sturdy pasta like penne in a pinch.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The dish has a gentle spicy kick from the crushed red pepper flakes that you can definitely adjust based on your preference. Feel free to add more or less to suit your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes! This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal without the fuss.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan cheese alternatives. For the chicken, swap in tofu or a plant-based protein. The flavors will differ but it can still be delicious!
What wine pairs well with Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio works wonderfully, cutting through the richness and complementing the spice and garlic notes.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and exciting about the Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream Recipe that makes it a new go-to for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Its luscious sauce, tender chicken, and that perfect spicy garlic twist create a memorable meal everyone will rave about. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds and sharing this gem with all your friends!
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Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream combines tender, seasoned chicken with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and cheesy tortellini for a deliciously comforting meal. The dish features bold garlic flavors, a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and paprika, and fresh herbs to brighten up each bite. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, it comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Pasta
- 10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and evenly coat both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a balanced spicy and savory flavor.
- Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts or thighs for 5–6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove from skillet and allow to rest to retain juices.
- Cook the tortellini. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until tender. Drain well, reserving a small amount of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare the sauce. In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Alfredo cream. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, forming a smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine tortellini with sauce. Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce and gently toss to coat. Simmer together for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve with sliced chicken. Slice the rested chicken and serve it over or alongside the sauced tortellini. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional heat if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for best texture and flavor; frozen tortellini may require longer cooking time.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- To make the dish lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though this will reduce creaminess.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortellini.
