Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this creamy, cheesy One Pot Chicken Tortellini Alfredo with Broccoli. It’s got tender cheese tortellini, smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli all wrapped up in a velvety Alfredo sauce. And did I mention you can make it in just one pan? This is the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy.
Easy one pot pasta dinners
Let’s be real. There’s something magical about cheesy pasta dinners, especially when they come together as easily as this one. The cheese tortellini and chicken are hearty enough to satisfy, while the broccoli sneaks in some green goodness (so we can feel just a little virtuous). Add crispy bacon and a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and you’ve got a dinner that feels fancy without the fuss.
Some other easy one pan dishes that I know you're going to love are French Onion Pasta, Chicken and Orzo, and Taco Pasta.
Why you'll love this recipe
There are so many reasons why this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Here are some of them:
It’s a one-pan wonder. Cooking everything in one skillet is a lifesaver when you want dinner fast and cleanup even faster.
The sauce is creamy perfection. The combination of heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan creates a rich, dreamy Alfredo sauce that clings to every bite.
Packed with protein and veggies. Chicken, bacon, and broccoli make this a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Endless customization options. You can switch up the protein or veggies based on what you have on hand (don’t miss the variations section below!).
It’s a crowd-pleaser. Creamy pasta and cheesy goodness are always a hit, whether it’s family dinner or a casual get-together.
Ingredients
This dish is all about using simple, flavorful ingredients to build that rich, cheesy comfort food experience. Here's what you'll need:
- Cheese tortellini: Soft, pillowy pasta with a cheesy filling. You’ll want to cook it just until al dente.
- Rotisserie chicken: Juicy and flavorful, it saves time and brings everything together.
- Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture.
- Broccoli: Frozen broccoli works perfectly here, making things super convenient. It’s the veggie balance to all that creamy goodness.
- Garlic: A must for flavor, it brings the sauce to life.
- Heavy whipping cream and milk: These create the rich base of the Alfredo sauce.
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg: Seasonings that give the sauce depth and warmth.
- Parmesan cheese: The key to a classic, cheesy Alfredo sauce.
- Parsley: For a pop of color and a little fresh flavor to finish things off.
How to make tortellini alfredo
This one-pot meal is surprisingly easy, and you’ll be digging in before you know it. Here's what to do:
- In a large oven-proof skillet, fry chopped bacon until crisp. In the last minute add garlic. Remove bacon and garlic and set aside.
- Leave 3 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan. Place frozen broccoli in skillet and saute over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. If the pan becomes dry add a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove broccoli from the pan.
- Turn down heat to medium and add cream and milk to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the milk has warmed and come to a simmer.
- Sprinkle in seasonings.
- Add 2-½ cups Parmesan cheese, reserving remaining cheese for the top.
- Whisk until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.
While you are preparing the sauce, cook the tortellini to al dente according to package directions.
- Add cooked tortellini, rotisserie chicken, broccoli, bacon and garlic.
- Stir until all ingredients are covered with alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-4 minutes or until top has lightly browned.
Recipe variations to make it your own
Looking to switch things up? Here are some tasty ways to customize your tortellini Alfredo:
Beef: Swap the chicken for beef meatballs, ground beef, or thinly sliced steak. The hearty flavors pair beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
Sausage: Try spicy Italian sausage or smoked sausage for a punch of flavor.
Seafood: If you’re a seafood lover, shrimp or crab make a delicious twist on this classic.
Other Meat: Leftover turkey or diced ham work great for using up holiday leftovers.
Vegetables: You can’t go wrong with spinach, mushrooms, or peas. They’ll complement the dish and add even more texture.
What to serve with chicken tortellini alfredo
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few ideas:
Bread: Because you’ll want something to scoop up all that extra sauce. Check out my air fryer bread and garlic bread recipes.
Side salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great choices.
Wine pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly.
How to store and reheat leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting just as good the next day:
Storing: Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Tortellini Alfredo can be frozen, but the sauce may separate a bit when reheated. To freeze, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
More one pot dinner recipes
- Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- French Onion Chicken Skillet
- Pasta with Peas
- Tortellini with Italian Sausage
- Turkey Pasta with Creamy Cranberry Sauce
Find lots of easy 30 Minute Meals and One Pot Dinners right here on 2CM!
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One Pot Chicken Tortellini Alfredo with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets frozen
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ⅜ teaspoon pepper
- ⅜ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 cups Parmesan cheese grated
- 16 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini cooked al dente
- 1 ½ cups rotisserie chicken shredded or chopped
- Garnish: parsley
Instructions
- Preheat broiler to high.
- While preparing alfredo sauce, cook the tortellini to the al dente stage according to the package directions.
Alfredo Sauce
- Fry chopped bacon until crisp in a large oven-proof skillet. In the last minute add the garlic. Remove bacon and garlic and set aside.
- Leave 3 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan. Place frozen broccoli in skillet and sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. If the pan becomes dry add a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove broccoli from pan.
- Turn heat to medium and add cream and milk to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the milk has warmed and come to a simmer. Sprinkle in seasonings and add 2-½ cups cheese, reserving remaining cheese for the top. Whisk until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.
Adding remaining ingredients
- Add cooked tortellini, rotisserie chicken, broccoli and bacon, stirring well so all ingredients are covered with alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and place the skillet under the broiler for 3-4 minutes or until top has lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot.
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