When comfort food meets a spicy kick, you get this heavenly Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream. Imagine pillowy cheese-stuffed tortellini soaked in velvety Alfredo sauce, paired with seared garlic-seasoned chicken bites that bring just the right touch of heat. It’s the kind of dish that looks indulgent, tastes gourmet, and still comes together easily in a home kitchen.
Perfect for a cozy dinner night, a weeknight treat, or impressing guests without the stress, this recipe delivers creamy satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re a pasta lover or someone who can’t resist a good spice hit, this is a dinner that checks all the boxes.
What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best for this recipe. It cooks fast, absorbs the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully, and has a soft, chewy bite that balances perfectly with the spicy seared chicken. If you only have frozen tortellini, just add a few extra minutes to the boiling time. Avoid dried tortellini—it tends to lack that fresh, tender texture we want here.
Ingredients for the Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream
Cheese Tortellini: This is the heart of the dish. Its mild cheesy filling pairs perfectly with the boldness of the spicy chicken and creamy sauce.
Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for searing with seasoning that builds flavor fast.
Garlic: Finely minced garlic infuses both the chicken and Alfredo sauce with depth and warmth.
Heavy Cream: The base of our Alfredo—rich and luscious, it clings to every tortellini pocket.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh, it melts into the sauce for that signature Alfredo flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the smooth texture in the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Red Pepper Flakes: The spice kick! Add more or less depending on your heat preference.
Italian Seasoning: Brings that herbaceous aroma and blends everything together.
Parsley: For garnish, freshness, and color contrast.


How To Make the Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate while you prep the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside, keeping the flavorful browned bits in the pan for the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
In a separate pot, boil the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter, add more minced garlic, and stir until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and velvety.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked tortellini into the Alfredo sauce, followed by the seared chicken. Stir to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you love heat, and serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
How to Serve and Store Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
This dish is best served immediately while the Alfredo sauce is silky and warm. Pair it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or red chili flakes for added flair. If making ahead or storing leftovers, keep the tortellini and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its original consistency. Avoid microwaving directly on high—it can cause the sauce to separate.
What to Serve With Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini?
Garlic Breadsticks
The ultimate dunking partner for the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Caesar Salad
A crisp, tangy contrast to balance the rich tortellini.
Roasted Broccoli
Oven-roasted with olive oil and lemon zest for a zippy side.
Caprese Skewers
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing bite.
Sauteed Spinach
A quick side that adds greens and garlic flavor without overpowering.
Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with herbed tomatoes adds a rustic touch.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Slightly sweet, slightly tangy—perfect with spice and cheese.
White Wine or Sparkling Water
A crisp drink that helps cut through the richness and spice.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini, you’ll definitely want to try these other creamy, flavorful pasta dishes:
- Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a veggie-loaded twist.
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you’re craving beefy comfort.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for a romantic creamy meal.
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe when you’re short on time.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick one-pan option.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter, tastier meals.
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Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Turn your next dinner into a creamy, spicy sensation with this Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream. It’s a dreamy fusion of juicy garlic-seared chicken and soft cheese tortellini drenched in a rich Alfredo sauce with a fiery twist. Perfect for those searching for a quick dinner, easy recipe, or new dinner ideas, this dish offers indulgence with simplicity. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight comfort food, food ideas for guests, or a flavorful healthy snack alternative, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
9 oz cheese tortellini
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Cook tortellini in boiling water as per package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
6. Return chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Mix well to coat in sauce. Add pasta water if needed.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
To make it extra spicy, double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg