Herb-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
This is one of those dinners that feels like you really did something… even though it comes together way faster than it looks. You’ve got chicken with a cozy herb-and-spice crust, golden around the edges and juicy in the middle, paired with pillowy cheese tortellini swimming in a creamy Alfredo sauce that smells like garlic, butter, and comfort.
It’s the kind of meal that works for everything — a quiet weeknight when you want something soothing, a Sunday dinner vibe without the fuss, or even a “someone’s coming over” situation when you want the table to feel a little special. The best part? The whole kitchen starts to smell like an Italian-style trattoria the second the garlic hits the butter. That alone is worth it.
Ingredients
For the Herb-Crusted Chicken:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Alfredo Tortellini:
20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the tortellini.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions, just until tender. Drain and set aside.Season the chicken.
Pat the chicken dry — it helps the outside brown nicely. Rub both sides with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Rub that seasoning blend all over the chicken like you mean it.Cook until golden and flavorful.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5–7 minutes per side, until it’s golden, slightly charred in spots, and cooked through (165°F/74°C).
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy — and it gives you a second to breathe.Start the Alfredo sauce.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. (Don’t wander off — garlic goes from perfect to too-dark fast.)Thicken the base.
Stir in the flour and whisk for about 1 minute. You’re making a quick roux here — nothing fancy, just the foundation for that silky sauce.Add the cream and make it luscious.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until it starts to thicken.Add Parmesan and finish.
Stir in the Parmesan until it melts and the sauce turns smooth and glossy. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the fresh parsley.Toss in the tortellini.
Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce and gently toss until every piece is coated and creamy.Serve and enjoy.
Slice the herb-crusted chicken and serve it alongside (or right on top of) a generous scoop of Alfredo tortellini.
Presentation Tips
For a pretty plate, twirl the tortellini into a creamy mound first, then fan sliced chicken right beside it. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color, and if you want to go extra cozy, add a little more Parmesan on top while it’s still warm so it melts into the sauce. A crack of black pepper right before serving makes it look and smell even more inviting.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
🔥 Kcal: 650 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion
This herb-crusted chicken with creamy Alfredo tortellini is comfort food that feels just a bit elevated — like something you’d order at a restaurant, but cozier because you made it at home. It’s creamy, garlicky, herby, and completely satisfying in that “clean plate” kind of way.
If you’ve been craving a dinner that feels warm, indulgent, and reliable, make this soon. It’s the kind of recipe that turns into a repeat — especially once you realize how fast it comes together.