Description
Looking for dinner ideas that feel luxurious but take less than an hour? This Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream brings together juicy, golden-seared chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a garlicky, creamy Alfredo sauce with just the right kick. It’s a restaurant-quality easy dinner you can make at home — ideal for weeknights, date nights, or whenever you’re craving a quick comfort meal with bold flavor. A must-try if you’re into food ideas that are both indulgent and satisfying, yet super simple to execute.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic finely minced
20 ounces cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil. Coat thoroughly in the spice mixture and let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet during the last minute of cooking and spoon the oil over the chicken. Remove and let rest, then slice.
5. In a large pot, boil salted water. Cook tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
6. In a deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
7. Pour in heavy cream. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Gradually add parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
9. Add cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
10. Plate tortellini and top with sliced spicy garlic chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing to preserve its juiciness.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, silky Alfredo sauce.
Add a splash of pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1½ cups
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, tortellini, alfredo, spicy chicken, comfort food