If you’re craving a dish that brings together fiery flavors, creamy indulgence, and comforting pasta all in one, then this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken pieces drenched in spicy buffalo sauce, swirled through a luscious cream cheese and garlic sauce, and tossed with pillowy tortellini that soak up every bit of that delicious heat. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that’s quick to make but feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes with bold flavors and a silky texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe are straightforward yet vibrant, each contributing a specific burst of flavor or texture that brings the dish to life. From the spicy kick of buffalo sauce to the creamy richness of cream cheese, everything works together perfectly.
- 1 lb chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect bites with every forkful.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 2 tbsp cooking oil: Used to sear the chicken beautifully and create a golden crust.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The star that gives the dish its signature spicy, tangy flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds rich creaminess to soften the heat and make the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra velvety texture and a subtle tang that balances the spice.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides depth and aromatic warmth that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb frozen tortellini: The perfect pasta choice—stuffed, chewy, and ready to absorb all those amazing flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh note to finish the dish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on the pieces to amplify their natural flavor. This small step helps ensure your chicken is perfectly seasoned and juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until golden brown on all sides. This develops a beautiful crust that locks in juices. Once cooked, toss the chicken in the buffalo sauce so each piece is richly coated with that spicy goodness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
Lower your heat to medium. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and minced garlic directly into the skillet with the buffalo-coated chicken. Stir gently but continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth. This sauce is where all the magic happens, balancing heat with creaminess perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Into that luscious sauce, add your frozen tortellini straight from the bag—no need to pre-cook. Let it simmer gently until the tortellini are tender and have soaked up some of the spicy, creamy sauce. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking and to make sure each tortellini is coated in flavor.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more buffalo sauce for extra heat or a pinch more salt if it needs it. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, inviting aroma and a dash of color before serving.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley brighten both the look and flavor of your Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe. You could also add a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce if you really love that spicy kick or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for gooey indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks, a classic companion to buffalo flavors that offers a crisp, refreshing contrast. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also cut through the richness, balancing the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the tortellini in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles and a few celery sticks on the side for texture and color. You can even create individual plates with a drizzle of hot sauce on the rim or a small ramekin of ranch dressing for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Buffalo Chicken Tortellini slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much to bring back its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it to the skillet with the buffalo sauce to warm through before making the creamy sauce. It will save cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
What type of buffalo sauce works best?
Any good-quality buffalo wing sauce will work well. If you prefer milder heat, pick a less spicy brand or adjust the quantity. For extra heat, add more or use a hotter sauce. It’s all about your personal spice preference.
Can I substitute the tortellini with another pasta?
You can! While tortellini adds a lovely stuffed texture, other stuffed pastas like ravioli or even simple pasta shapes like penne or farfalle can work well here, soaking up the creamy buffalo sauce nicely.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe offers a good medium heat level. If you want less spice, reduce the buffalo sauce, or balance it with extra cream and cream cheese. If you love spice, feel free to add more buffalo sauce or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu and use a vegetarian-friendly buffalo sauce. Although a bit different, it still captures that creamy, spicy vibe superbly.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe is truly a standout when you want comfort food with a kick of exciting flavor. It’s straightforward to make yet feels like something special, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends. Do yourself a favor and give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming a fast favorite that you want to make again and again.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This quick and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Tortellini recipe combines tender chicken breast, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese sauce with hearty frozen tortellini for a comforting and delicious meal that comes together in just 14 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with a spicy kick and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 1 lb frozen tortellini
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Then toss the chicken with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce, coating it thoroughly.
- Make Sauce: To the skillet, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Pasta: Add 1 pound of frozen tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce and buffalo chicken. Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the tortellini is tender and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Finish: Adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and more buffalo sauce if desired for extra spice. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini based on preference; cooking times may vary slightly.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your spice tolerance.
- Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free option.
- Serve with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor pairing.
