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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini

Tender, garlicky chicken bites nestled with cheesy tortellini in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. A fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Skillet Large skillet for cooking chicken and making sauce
  • Pot For boiling tortellini
  • Plate For setting aside cooked chicken

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Bites

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter for chicken
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta

  • 1 20 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini

For the Alfredo Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for sauce
  • 1.75 cups heavy cream
  • 1.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Grab a nice big skillet and melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Give it a quick stir for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing – don't let it burn! Now, add your chicken cubes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring now and then, until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked all the way through. Once it's ready, scoop the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. We'll be back for it!
  • While the chicken is resting, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook them just like the package says until they're perfectly al dente (that means tender but with a little bite). Once they're done, drain them well and set them aside. Easy peasy!
  • Now, back to that same skillet you used for the chicken (less dishes, yay!). Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Pour in your heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You want it to get nice and warm but not boiling rapidly. Gradually whisk in your grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and starts to thicken up. It should look gorgeous! Finally, stir in the garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it – does it need anything? You're the chef!
  • It's time for the grand finale! Add the drained tortellini and those delicious garlic butter chicken bites right into the skillet with your beautiful Alfredo sauce. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure every single piece is coated in that creamy goodness. Serve it up immediately while it's hot and steamy. Get ready for some happy sighs!

Notes

This recipe is forgiving and can be customized with different tortellini, vegetables, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice. It's best enjoyed fresh.