If you are craving a dish that packs a punch of flavor, creamy comfort, and a delightful twist on pasta night, this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in spicy buffalo sauce with pillowy tortellini, all swirled in a rich, garlicky, creamy sauce that will have everyone begging for seconds. This recipe is a perfect harmony of heat, creaminess, and satisfying textures, making it an instant family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the juicy chicken and spicy buffalo sauce to the creamy cheese elements and tender tortellini, everything comes together to make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 lb chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has tender, flavorful chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 2 tbsp cooking oil: Helps to get a beautiful golden sear on the chicken pieces.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving): This is the star of the show, giving the dish its signature spicy kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that mellows the heat without overpowering it.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for a rich, velvety texture and tangy note.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant depth that complements the spicy buffalo.
- 1 lb frozen tortellini: Convenient and perfectly tender; absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Season the pieces generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Toss with Buffalo Sauce
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Once cooked, toss the chicken gently in the buffalo sauce, allowing every piece to be coated in that fiery goodness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
Lower the heat slightly; then add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the cream, creating a rich and velvety sauce that is fragrant and packed with cheesy, garlicky warmth.
Step 4: Simmer Tortellini in the Sauce
Pour the frozen tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Let everything simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the tortellini is tender and perfectly coated in the buffalo cream sauce, about the time the package suggests for al dente.
Step 5: Final Touches and Adjustments
Give the dish a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, add an extra splash of buffalo sauce. Once satisfied, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pretty, fresh contrast and get ready to dig in.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch dressing can elevate the experience with their cooling effect. If you want to add a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or sliced green onions work wonderfully as garnishes too.
Side Dishes
This rich Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe pairs beautifully with simple side dishes. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the creaminess, or roasted veggies such as broccoli or asparagus can add a healthy, flavorful punch. For a comforting touch, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser alongside this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the tortellini in individual shallow bowls with extra buffalo sauce on the side for guests who like more heat. You might also consider layering it in a casserole dish, topping with shredded cheese, and broiling briefly for a bubbly, golden crust that adds texture and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste delicious when reheated, making it a fantastic recipe for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to do so before adding the cream sauce if you want the freshest texture. Freeze cooked chicken and tortellini separately, then prepare the cream sauce fresh when ready to eat. If freezing the entire dish, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate. Adding a splash of milk or extra cream can help revive the sauce’s silky texture after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While tortellini is perfect for its stuffed texture, you can swap it for other small pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or even gnocchi if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times to achieve ideal tenderness.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Most store-bought buffalo sauces have a medium heat, but if you enjoy a fiery kick, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce or incorporate hot sauce of your choice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can definitely make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with crispy tofu or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, and the buffalo sauce will still bring that iconic flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
While the buffalo sauce brings some heat, you can tone it down by cutting back on the sauce or serving more of the creamy base. Many kids enjoy the creamy tortellini, and you can offer extra buffalo sauce on the side for adults who want more spice.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Fresh tortellini works wonderfully and will cook even faster. Just reduce the simmering time to avoid overcooking, as fresh pasta tends to be more delicate than frozen varieties.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of creamy, spicy pasta loaded with tender chicken, and this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe hits that sweet spot every single time. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to whip up, this recipe is sure to become a permanent favorite. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting plate of flavor-packed goodness!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender chicken pieces tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with cheesy tortellini, enveloped in a rich cream cheese and garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers a satisfying balance of heat and creaminess.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving)
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb frozen tortellini
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown on all sides. Once cooked, toss the chicken in the buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the frozen tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add more buffalo sauce if a spicier flavor is desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen tortellini for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
