If you’re craving something that beautifully blends creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors all in one bowl, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe. This dish is a mouthwatering celebration of tender breaded chicken cubes tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, nestling atop pillowy cheese tortellini smothered in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of spicy kick and luscious comfort, making it an irresistible meal to share with family or friends any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe starts with simple yet essential ingredients. Each one contributes not just flavor but also texture and inviting color, making the final dish both vibrant and satisfying.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed and seasoned, they provide the hearty protein base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Flour and seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning that creates a flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Olive oil and butter: These fats combine to give the chicken a golden, crispy exterior and form the luscious base for the Alfredo sauce.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with an aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy Parmesan.
- Heavy cream: The creamy foundation of the Alfredo, it makes the sauce rich and velvety.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it’s essential for that classic Alfredo flavor.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: The perfect pasta choice here, stuffing each bite with more creamy cheese goodness.
- Mild Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Sauce: Adds that irresistible tang and heat that brings the dish alive.
- Dried parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish to add a little pep to your plate.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. This simple seasoning ensures every cube carries flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Cubes
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly, coating them in this fragrant flour mixture to create a crisp crust once cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cubes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken out of the skillet and wipe away any excess grease, preparing for the sauce.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Into the same skillet, melt a full stick of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Then add heavy cream, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a silky, rich Alfredo.
Step 5: Cook the Cheese Tortellini in the Sauce
Add your frozen cheese tortellini directly into the Alfredo sauce. Cover the skillet and let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and infused with that creamy sauce.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce and Assemble
In a separate bowl, mix the cooked chicken cubes with as much Mild Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Sauce as you like—this is where that signature spicy kick comes from. Plate the saucy tortellini, then crown the dish with your buffalo chicken. Garnish with a little extra Parmesan and sprinkle dried parsley on top for that final touch of color and flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and dried parsley to add a bright, herby pop that contrasts with the creamy sauce and spicy chicken. If you like an extra kick, a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or a few chili flakes makes a beautiful, flavorful garnish.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is so rich and comforting, it pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even some steamed broccoli to balance out those creamy, spicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the tortellini Alfredo in warmed individual bowls topped with the buffalo chicken, then crumble some blue cheese over the top to echo that classic buffalo flavor profile. You can also add a wedge of garlic bread or a sprinkle of chopped scallions to elevate the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating helps bring back that luxurious texture.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe freezes well. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. A splash of cream or milk helps restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just skip the breading and cooking steps and toss the shredded chicken directly in the buffalo sauce before adding it to the tortellini Alfredo. It’s a fantastic time-saver that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe?
The spice level mainly depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer a milder dish, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a mild variety. For those who love heat, don’t hesitate to load it up. The creamy Alfredo sauce balances the spice perfectly.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini works beautifully and cooks even faster. Just reduce the cooking time in the sauce to about 2-3 minutes or until tender. Fresh pasta adds a lovely delicate texture complementing the creamy Alfredo.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can easily swap out the chicken for crispy breaded cauliflower bites or sautéed mushrooms tossed in buffalo sauce. This keeps the spicy, creamy flavors intact while making it vegetarian-friendly and just as satisfying.
What can I use if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are excellent substitutes, offering a similar salty and nutty flavor profile. If you’re in a pinch, a good-quality Asiago cheese shredded fresh will also do the trick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe enough for anyone who loves bold flavors wrapped in creamy indulgence. It’s a joyful mix of textures and tastes that elevates classic comfort food to something truly special. So, roll up your sleeves, give it a try, and watch this become one of your new favorite dishes to make and share!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo combining tender breaded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with cheesy tortellini in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. This comforting 30-minute skillet meal serves 6 and is perfect for a hearty dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste (for chicken seasoning)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Alfredo Sauce and Tortellini
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
For Assembly
- Mild Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Sauce, to taste
- Dried parsley, for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
- Bread Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each chicken cube thoroughly in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken cubes and cook until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, wiping out any excess grease from the pan.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 stick (½ cup) butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Continuously stir and cook the sauce until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the frozen cheese tortellini directly into the Alfredo sauce. Cover the skillet and allow the tortellini to cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and fully heated through.
- Assemble and Serve: Toss the cooked chicken cubes with the Mild Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Sauce to your desired spice level. Spoon the creamy tortellini Alfredo onto plates or a serving dish, then top generously with the buffalo chicken. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add hot sauce to taste.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety.
- You can substitute fresh tortellini for frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
