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Easy 15-Minute Lazy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini

Easy 15-Minute Lazy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini - featured image

A quick, creamy, and comforting pasta dish using frozen cheese tortellini, rotisserie chicken, and Alfredo sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz frozen cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 10 oz)
  • 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • A handful fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until they float and are tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add cooked chicken, breaking up any large pieces. Sauté for 2-3 minutes just to warm through and get a slight golden edge. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in Alfredo sauce and stir to combine with garlic butter. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  5. Return chicken to skillet and stir into sauce. Add cooked tortellini and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss in chopped parsley or basil if using.
  7. Serve immediately, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook tortellini to keep a slight bite. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience. For dairy-free, substitute Alfredo sauce and butter accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo, tortellini recipe, quick pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta, weeknight meal, lazy chicken alfredo