Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini Recipe

This Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini is a rich, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy tortellini in a luxurious Alfredo sauce. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Dish:

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (or your favorite variety)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast , cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices bacon , chopped
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds depth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley , for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach (for extra greens)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for a hint of heat)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the tortellini and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Chicken

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the remaining bacon grease. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
2. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If using spinach, stir it in at this stage and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Divide the Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini among serving bowls.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Add veggies: Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Use leftover chicken: Shred or dice leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
• Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fat: ~32g

Enjoy this Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini as a decadent, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s creamy, flavorful, and loaded with ingredients that make it feel like a restaurant-quality dish made at home! 🍝🍗✨