Buffalo chicken tortellini alfredo

This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is the perfect busy night dinner that delivers creamy, spicy, and comforting flavors all in one pan. The tender chicken coated in buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with the cheesy tortellini draped in a luscious Alfredo sauce, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen or piles of dishes to wash afterwards.

I remember making this after a long day running errands and it instantly became a family favorite. The buffalo chicken brings such a lively twist to traditional Alfredo and now my kids ask for this regularly when they want something cozy with a little kick.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: fresh and plump for tender, juicy bites
• Salt pepper and garlic powder: for deep and well rounded seasoning
• Flour: adds a crisp golden crust to the chicken while locking in moisture
• Paprika and Italian seasoning: bring warmth and aroma that complement the buffalo sauce perfectly
• Olive oil and butter: work together to create a rich flavor and ideal sear on the chicken
• Minced garlic: freshly minced gives a sweet and mellow garlic flavor in the sauce
• Heavy cream: thick and luscious for a smooth, velvety Alfredo sauce
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts beautifully to flavor and thicken the sauce
• Cheese tortellini: frozen is easiest and filled with plenty of cheese for melty goodness
• Buffalo sauce: choose a milder or spicier variety depending on your taste buds
• Dried parsley: adds a fresh color contrast and mild herb finish, fresh parsley works great too

Instructions

Cut and Season the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and cutting them into roughly oneinch cubes. Toss the pieces in salt, pepper, and garlic powder until each one is evenly coated. Even seasoning here is key for flavor in every bite.

Dredge the Chicken:

In a shallow dish combine flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Press the chicken cubes lightly into the seasoned flour mixture so they get a nice coating. Shake off excess to avoid clumping.

Brown the Chicken:

Heat olive oil and two tablespoons butter in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Once the butter foams, add the chicken cubes in a single layer and sear them until golden brown on all sides about four to five minutes each side. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove from pan and set aside. Wipe out excess grease from the skillet to prepare for the sauce.

Make Alfredo Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt one stick of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring to prevent sticking. Wait until the cream gets steamy, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Slowly add shredded Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.

Simmer the Tortellini:

Add the frozen cheese tortellini directly into the sauce. Stir lightly to coat the pasta with sauce, cover with a lid, and gently simmer for about five minutes until the tortellini is tender and plump, absorbing some of the rich sauce.

Toss Chicken and Finish:

While the tortellini simmers, toss the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce making sure every piece is coated evenly. Spoon the spicy chicken over the creamy pasta and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and dried parsley. Serve it immediately while it’s piping hot and comforting.

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The cheese tortellini is my absolute favorite part. Every forkful bursts with melty cheese that soaks up the spicy creamy sauce beautifully. I love watching my kids sneak extra pieces of chicken because they cannot get enough of that buffalo flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce may thicken overnight so when reheating gently on the stove add a splash of milk or cream to get it back to that perfect creamy consistency. Reheating slowly keeps the sauce smooth and delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken work well if you want to save time just toss the precooked chicken in the seasoned flour before heating through. For a vegetarian option use sautéed mushrooms or drained chickpeas. Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a smokier, sweeter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli to balance richness. Garlic knots or crusty baguette slices are perfect to mop up extra sauce. For a lighter meal pair it with roasted seasonal vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad.

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Serve immediately while piping hot to enjoy the creamy spicy flavors. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream to restore the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How spicy is buffalo chicken tortellini alfredo?

The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Mild sauces offer gentle warmth, while hotter varieties add more spice.

→ Can fresh tortellini be used instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini cooks faster so reduce simmering time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

→ How do I keep the chicken tender?

Cut chicken into even cubes, coat with seasoned flour, and cook until golden but not overdone to retain juiciness.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Components can be made in advance. Gently reheat with a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

→ What garnishes complement this dish well?

Extra Parmesan, dried or fresh parsley, and sliced green onions enhance flavor and texture beautifully.