If you love creamy pasta, a little kick of heat, and cheesy goodness all in one effortless skillet meal, this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine plump cheese tortellini bathed in a luscious Alfredo-buffalo sauce, tossed with tender chicken, and crowned with melty mozzarella and fresh green onions for that perfect finish. This dish is not just easy—it’s a downright celebration of flavor that’s guaranteed to have your family asking for seconds.

Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe comes together with a handful of staple ingredients that work magic together. Each component plays its part—bringing creaminess, spice, gooey cheese, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Cooked shredded chicken: Perfect for using up leftovers or rotisserie chicken, it gives the dish protein and heartiness.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These little pillows bring a creamy, cheesy bite to every forkful, and they cook super quickly.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic infuse its flavor into the sauce.
Minced garlic: For an aromatic base that complements both the cream and buffalo sauce.
Heavy cream: The secret to a silky, decadent Alfredo sauce.
Buffalo wing sauce: Brings that unbeatable spicy tang—adjust the amount to suit your spice preferences.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for authentic Alfredo flavor and a salty punch.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that crave-worthy cheesy finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for perfectly balancing all the flavors.
Chopped green onions or parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a bit of crunch and a pop of brightness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by preparing your cheese tortellini according to the package directions. These little pasta pockets cook up quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they stay tender but not mushy. Once they’re done, drain well and set aside while you whip up the luscious sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. This quick step unlocks that irresistible garlic aroma, setting the stage for everything that follows.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and buffalo wing sauce, giving everything a gentle stir. Let it come to a simmer, then add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring for three to four minutes until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. The key here is a gentle heat—don’t let it boil!

Step 4: Add Chicken and Tortellini

Now, fold the shredded chicken and the cooked tortellini into the skillet, ensuring everything is well coated in that dreamy, spicy sauce. Every piece should be glistening in goodness by the time you’re done stirring.

Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Melt

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese right over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for two to three minutes. The mozzarella will melt into bubbly ribbons, uniting all the elements into one cozy dish.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Give your Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe a taste, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions or parsley for color and crunch. Serve piping hot for maximum comfort food vibes!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

This dish shines with just a simple sprinkle of vibrant green onions or parsley on top, but you can get creative! Try a few blue cheese crumbles, an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce, or even a dusting of additional Parmesan for more depth and flair.

Side Dishes

A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette beautifully balances the creamy richness of this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Steamed or roasted broccoli and carrots make healthy, colorful companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, spoon individual portions into small oven-safe gratin dishes, top with extra mozzarella, then broil just until bubbly. For family style, serve straight from the skillet or transfer into a large serving bowl and garnish with extra herbs and hot sauce on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store, let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken a bit as it cools, but it’ll hold up nicely and taste just as satisfying the next day.

Freezing

This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in a pinch. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Note that the sauce may separate slightly, but a good stir during reheating helps bring everything back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving hero in this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe, making dinner prep even faster and more flavorful.

How can I make it less spicy for kids?

Just use less buffalo sauce and maybe add a splash more cream to mellow things out. You can also serve extra buffalo sauce on the side so heat-seekers can add as much as they like.

Can I use frozen or dried tortellini?

You can! Just cook according to their package directions before following the rest of the recipe. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini will yield the best creamy texture, but frozen is handy and works well too.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Look for gluten-free cheese tortellini and double-check that your buffalo sauce is certified gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is already gluten-free, making it easy for those with dietary restrictions.

Can I add veggies to this?

Definitely! Baby spinach, sautéed bell peppers, or roasted broccoli all make delicious stir-ins or toppings for your Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe, adding color and extra nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe combines everything I crave in a comforting weeknight meal—creamy, cheesy, a touch spicy, and so incredibly easy. If you’re ready to wow your loved ones or just treat yourself, give this recipe a try and make it your new dinnertime staple!

Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and with a kick of spicy buffalo sauce, it’s a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tortellini:

1 pound cooked shredded chicken
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup buffalo wing sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add heavy cream and buffalo wing sauce. Simmer, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken and cooked tortellini to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese, cover, and melt.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions or parsley. Serve hot.