There’s a special joy in recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home. Beyond the satisfaction of a delicious meal, it offers complete control over the ingredients, ensuring you know exactly what goes into your family’s food. This particular Olive Garden Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe is a beloved family favorite, often recognized as the Olive Garden Asiago Tortellini Alfredo. It’s an ideal choice when you crave that familiar, rich flavor but want the freshness and quality only a homemade meal can provide.

Much like my popular Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, this pasta dish is the epitome of comforting fall and winter cuisine. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and happiness to the table.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or even for meal prepping for the week ahead. To truly elevate this dish, consider a final flourish: a sprinkle of crispy panko breadcrumbs and a quick bake. That extra crunchy topping adds a delightful texture contrast that takes this creamy pasta to the next level.

The secret to an exceptional Chicken Tortellini Alfredo lies in the quality of your ingredients. Whenever possible, I highly recommend opting for the freshest components. Fresh tortellini, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fragrant fresh garlic, and vibrant fresh herbs will make an undeniable difference in the depth and richness of your dish. Tortellini, with its delightful stuffed pasta pockets, is always a hit with the entire family, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

If you’re a fan of tortellini, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite recipes featuring this versatile pasta, such as my Pesto Tortellini, Chicken Tortellini Soup, Tortellini Sausage Soup, Italian Tortellini Salad, or my speedy Chicken Tortellini Skillet.

Why You Will Love This Homemade Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

This copycat Olive Garden Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience, comfort, and delicious flavor. Here’s why this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household:

• Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner: Say goodbye to lengthy cooking sessions! This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, getting a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on your table in approximately 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, flavorful dish without the fuss. Plus, it’s primarily made in one skillet, drastically cutting down on cleanup time.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: As the weather cools or when you simply need a comforting embrace, this dish delivers. The rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with tender cheese tortellini and perfectly cooked chicken, creates a bowl of pure indulgence. It’s a meal that truly satisfies the soul and is guaranteed to be enjoyed by the entire family.
• Easy to Scale for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding a small family or hosting a larger gathering, this recipe is incredibly flexible. The base recipe serves 4-6 diners, but it can be effortlessly doubled or even tripled without compromising on flavor or complexity. This makes it ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, or simply ensuring you have plenty of delicious leftovers.
• Control Your Ingredients: Making this dish at home means you have full control over the quality and type of ingredients. You can opt for organic chicken, use your favorite brand of tortellini, and adjust the seasoning to your family’s preferences. This allows you to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also tailored to your dietary needs and taste.
• Customizable to Your Liking: While this recipe aims for Olive Garden’s classic taste, it’s also a fantastic canvas for customization. Add extra vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or even swap out the chicken for another protein. The possibilities are endless, ensuring you can make this dish uniquely yours every time.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

For precise ingredient quantities and detailed cooking instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this page. However, here’s a closer look at the key components and potential substitutions for this delightful chicken pasta dish:

• Chicken – I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein and ease of preparation. For best results, dice the chicken into consistent 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. You can also use chicken tenderloins for a quicker cook time, or boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, is an excellent shortcut for a super-fast meal.
• Seasoning – A simple yet effective blend of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning is used to flavor the chicken. This trio provides a classic, aromatic base that complements the Alfredo sauce beautifully. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is truly non-negotiable for the best possible flavor in this recipe. Its pungent aroma and savory notes infuse the chicken and sauce with incredible depth. If you’re in a pinch, garlic puree or frozen crushed garlic can be used, but fresh is always superior.
• Tortellini – While fresh tortellini pasta offers a superior texture and taste, frozen cheese tortellini is a convenient and widely available option that works wonderfully. Look for cheese-filled tortellini for that authentic Olive Garden experience, or experiment with other varieties like spinach and ricotta for a slight variation.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Alfredo Sauce

The star of this creamy Alfredo recipe is undoubtedly the sauce. Here are the simple ingredients needed to create a rich and velvety Alfredo that rivals any restaurant:

• Butter – Unsalted butter is my preferred choice for the sauce base. This allows me to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially since Parmesan cheese naturally adds a savory, salty kick. Starting with unsalted butter gives you the flexibility to season to taste at the end.
• Heavy Cream – For that signature luxurious and truly creamy Alfredo sauce, heavy cream is essential. Its high fat content ensures a thick, smooth, and decadent consistency. While lighter creams or milk can be used for a slightly less rich sauce, heavy cream is recommended for the authentic experience.
• Parmesan Cheese – This is where freshness truly matters! Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty or prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully, creating a silky-smooth and flavorful sauce.
• Seasoning – The Alfredo sauce is seasoned simply with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a classic Italian touch, which enhances the creaminess and subtle sweetness of the sauce.

How to Make This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Creating this delicious chicken tortellini Alfredo is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal:

Step 1. Cook the tortellini: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your frozen or fresh tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. For best results in a pasta dish, I recommend removing them 1-2 minutes *before* they are fully cooked, as they will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot Alfredo sauce. This ensures they remain al dente and not mushy. Drain the tortellini thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2. Season the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice them into uniform 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Toss everything together vigorously until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 5. Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the ½ cup of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely, making sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or whisk – these are essential for depth of flavor. Once the butter has melted, slowly pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream, stirring continuously with a whisk to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it begins to thicken slightly. Add ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce at this stage for added flavor.

Step 6. Add the Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth, velvety, and all the cheese is incorporated. If your sauce appears too thick, you can thin it out with a splash more heavy cream or a bit of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with additional sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Step 7. Finish the Dish: Add the drained, slightly undercooked tortellini back into the skillet with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet as well. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the luxurious sauce. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and the tortellini finishes cooking to perfection. Garnish generously with dried parsley (or fresh if you have it!) before serving immediately.

Optional Baking for a Crispy Topping: To add an irresistible crunchy layer, transfer the finished chicken tortellini Alfredo to a baking dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs) evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. This step adds wonderful texture and a delightful finish!

Creative Recipe Modifications & Serving Suggestions

This Olive Garden copycat recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Chicken Alternatives: While boneless chicken breasts are classic, consider using chicken tenderloins for an even faster cook time. Chicken thighs will impart a richer, more succulent flavor due to their higher fat content. For ultimate convenience, use leftover grilled chicken from my Greek Marinade Grilled Chicken or shredded chicken from a Slow Cooker Mediterranean Whole Chicken. A rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut – simply shred or dice and stir it in at the end.
• Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating extra vegetables. Steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, tender green beans, or even a handful of fresh spinach are excellent additions. Simply toss them into the skillet when you combine the chicken and tortellini with the Alfredo sauce, allowing them to warm through.
• Explore Stuffed Pasta Varieties: While cheese tortellini (like Asiago tortellini for that Olive Garden authenticity) is delicious, feel free to experiment with other stuffed pasta shapes. Spinach and ricotta tortellini, meat-filled tortellini, or even larger tortelloni work beautifully. You could also swap for ravioli or cappelletti for a different bite.
• Different Pasta Shapes: If tortellini isn’t available or preferred, any dried pasta shape can be used. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine would be excellent choices. Cook the dried pasta according to package directions, then drain and stir it into the Alfredo sauce with the chicken.
• Cheese Variations: Parmesan is key for Alfredo, but you can certainly add other cheeses or use a blend. A mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano will add a sharper, saltier kick. Mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded!) can be incorporated for extra melty goodness. For a unique, slightly smoky flavor, try some shredded Gouda.

Expert Tip: The quality of your Parmesan cheese significantly impacts your Alfredo sauce. Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan, as it often contains anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can make your sauce grainy or less smooth. Always grate your Parmesan fresh from a block for a truly silky and creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions: This rich chicken tortellini Alfredo pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. A basket of warm, crusty garlic bread or Olive Garden-style breadsticks for dipping into the sauce is also a must-have! For a touch of freshness, a sprinkle of fresh basil or finely chopped parsley adds a beautiful aroma and color.