Name: Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb cheese tortellini; 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced); 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 3-4 garlic cloves (minced); 1½ to 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ to ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish; Optional: blue cheese crumbles for serving

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Indulge in a luscious fusion of creamy Alfredo sauce, spicy buffalo wing flavor, and tender chicken tossed with cheesy tortellini. This dish balances bold heat with rich, comforting textures to create a satisfying meal perfect for any night.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo layers savory notes and a touch of spice that will delight pasta lovers craving something unique and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the indulgent creaminess of Alfredo sauce with the bold spiciness of buffalo wing sauce.
Conveniently uses cooked chicken and quick-cooking tortellini for a speedy meal.
Customizable spice level to suit your palate from mild to fiery.
Perfectly balanced comfort food that feels decadent but is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Cheese Tortellini: About 500 grams (1 pound) of cheese-filled tortellini, providing a rich, tender pasta base bursting with gooey cheese.
Cooked Chicken: 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken, adding hearty protein and enhancing texture.
Olive Oil or Butter: 2 to 3 tablespoons for sautéing garlic and creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: 3 to 4 cloves minced finely to infuse a fragrant, savory aroma in the sauce.
Heavy Cream: 1½ to 2 cups to produce a luxuriously creamy, silky Alfredo sauce that coats the pasta well.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup freshly grated for sharp, nutty flavor that melts smoothly into the cream.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: ½ to ¾ cup, adjusted to taste, providing bold heat and tangy buffalo flavor.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To season the dish perfectly, balancing and enhancing all flavors.
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (Optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and vibrant color garnish.
Blue Cheese Crumbles (Optional): For an extra touch of classic buffalo wing flavor and creamy tang.

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente. Cooking the tortellini just right ensures they maintain a tender yet firm texture, perfect for holding the creamy sauce. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or melt butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden. This step releases the garlic’s aromatic oils, creating a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and gently bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually until it melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmering slowly helps thicken the sauce while melding the flavors beautifully.
Add Buffalo Flavor: Mix the buffalo wing sauce into the Alfredo base, stirring thoroughly to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to achieve your desired level of spiciness and tang. This step balances the heat with the creamy texture for a harmonious flavor profile.
Add Chicken & Tortellini: Add the cooked chicken and drained tortellini into the buffalo Alfredo sauce. Gently toss or stir to coat everything evenly without breaking the tortellini. The warm chicken absorbs flavors while the pasta gets enveloped in the zesty sauce, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for freshness and color. Optionally, top with blue cheese crumbles to add a classic buffalo wing tang and creamy texture.

You Must Know

Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level to your preference – start with less and add more as needed.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up for better coating.
Using pre-cooked rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken makes this dish quick and easy.
Always taste and season with salt and pepper to balance the rich and spicy flavors.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the cream sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful dish with crispy garlic bread or a fresh, crisp green salad to complement the creamy and spicy pasta. A side of roasted vegetables also pairs wonderfully to add balance and nutrition.

Professional Tips

For the creamiest results, use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Don’t overcook tortellini; keep al dente for best texture when combined with sauce.
To intensify buffalo flavor, add a drizzle of hot sauce when serving in addition to wing sauce in the dish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini for this dish?: Yes, fresh tortellini works wonderfully and typically cooks faster, so adjust the boiling time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute if I don’t have buffalo wing sauce?: You can mix hot sauce with melted butter as a homemade buffalo sauce alternative, balancing the levels to taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?: Absolutely! Skip the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.
How spicy is this dish?: The heat can be adjusted by varying the amount of buffalo wing sauce; start with less and increase to preferred spice level.
Is blue cheese necessary?: Blue cheese is optional but highly recommended for an authentic buffalo wing flavor; omit or replace with another cheese if preferred.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?: You can cook the tortellini and chicken ahead, then quickly finish the sauce and combine just before serving for fresher taste.
How do I avoid the Alfredo sauce from breaking?: Cook the sauce over medium-low heat and avoid boiling to maintain a smooth texture; slowly add cheese while stirring consistently.