Description
This recipe features tender tortellini smothered in a velvety, garlic-infused Alfredo sauce with a spicy kick, served alongside juicy, pan-seared chicken seasoned with bold spices and herbs. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that balances Italian flavors with a touch of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Spicy seasoning blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 (19 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously with your chosen spicy seasoning blend, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions in a separate saucepan. Drain well.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the tortellini mixture.
- Toss gently to combine everything.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Ensure you salt the tortellini cooking water generously.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared and Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg