Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and tender cheese-filled tortellini, all smothered in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
Here’s how to make Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini:
Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dish:
- 1 lb chicken breasts (about 2-3 breasts)
- 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 6-8 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Tortellini:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-9 minutes for frozen tortellini). Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon:
- While the chicken and tortellini are cooking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel to drain any excess grease.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any bacon bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Taste the sauce and add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your liking.
5. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked tortellini, sliced chicken, and bacon to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Optionally, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese or cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips:
- Add veggies: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of spice.
This Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini is a rich, creamy, and savory dish that combines the comforting flavors of Alfredo sauce, bacon, chicken, and cheesy tortellini. It’s perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests with a delicious homemade meal! Enjoy!