Tortellini alfredo is one of our favorite pasta dishes made with cheese tortellini and a creamy delicious homemade alfredo sauce!
This tortellini alfredo recipe is a simple and quick recipe perfect for those busy weeknights that the family will absolutely love! Make this with some garlic bread or cheesy pull apart bread, and hostess cupcakes for dessert!
Tortellini Alfredo
Tortellini Alfredo
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Ready and on the table in just 20 minutes.
📌 Creamy homemade alfredo sauce with parmesan cheese and garlic.
📌 Throw in some diced chicken or steak to add in a little protein.
Tortellini Alfredo Ingredients
- Pasta – Frozen, refrigerated, or dried cheese tortellini.
- Butter – Unsalted.
- Garlic – Fresh clove, minced.
- Cream – Heavy whipping cream, this will give you the creamiest alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan – Grated parmesan cheese.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, nutmeg.
Tortellini, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, cream, ground spices.
How do you make tortellini alfredo? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the tortellini. Cook according to the package directions and drain.
⭐ Next, in a separate pot or skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook until just fragrant.
⭐ Then, pour the heavy cream in the skillet and bring to a simmer. Whisk frequently until it has started to thicken.
⭐ Finally, reduce heat to low and stir in the seasonings and parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked tortellini and toss to coat.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Heavy cream is the best option for this sauce.
Preparation
Can tortellini alfredo be made ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately after preparing. If you want to make the sauce ahead of time, this can be done a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
What kind of tortellini noodles should be used?
We used frozen cheese tortellini but you could also use refrigerated, dried, or fresh tortellini. Cook according to package directions.
Another option would be to use sausage tortellini or garlic and chicken tortellini to incorporate some protein into the dish!
Do I need to use heavy cream or can I substitute with something lighter?
The heavy cream is what will give you the creamiest alfredo sauce. You can try using half and half or whole milk but your sauce will definitely be thinner and probably won’t coat the pasta as well.
Creamy, cheesy, and delicious!
Storage and leftovers
How long does tortellini alfredo last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add extra liquid like water, broth, or milk to loosen up the sauce if necessary.
Can tortellini alfredo be frozen?
Yes, let it cool completely and store in a freezer safe airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Try adding meat and veggies to make it a full meal in one pot!
Tips and tricks
✅ Add more minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor if desired.
✅ Throw in some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat!
✅ We really enjoy the depth of flavor the nutmeg gives this dish but it can be left out if desired.
✅ Try adding some fresh herbs or fresh spinach for added flavors.
Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use pre-made alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought alfredo sauce as a shortcut. Just heat it up according to the package instructions and toss it with the cooked tortellini.
Is it possible to make tortellini alfredo without garlic?
Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer a milder flavor or if you have dietary restrictions. You can enhance the flavor with other herbs and spices like parsley, basil, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Can I add vegetables directly to the sauce?
Yes, you can sauté vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the garlic before adding the cream to incorporate them directly into the sauce. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender before adding the cream.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to give it a spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added flavor. Simply deglaze the pan with wine after sautéing the garlic, and allow it to reduce slightly before adding the cream.
Add some crushed red pepper for heat if you like. Yum!
What to enjoy with tortellini alfredo (serving suggestions)
We really enjoy making this tortellini alfredo because the entire family loves a good hearty pasta dish! We serve this with garlic knots, French bread with bread dipping oil, and pineapple delight for dessert.
You can make this with any kind of tortellini you like.
More delicious alfredo recipes
Other awesome pasta dishes
- Spinach artichoke pasta
- Rotel pasta
- Garlic noodles
- Lemon pasta
- Pumpkin pasta
- Cafeteria noodles
- One pot pasta
- Sesame noodles
- Pasta puttanesca
- See all our pasta recipes!
😍😍😍
Tools we love
- Enameled cast iron pot – This is a great and super versatile pot that can be used in both the oven and on the stove top.
- Garlic peeler – This works wonders to help with all those pesky garlic peels!
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How to Make Tortellini Alfredo
Tortellini Alfredo
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cheese tortellini frozen or refrigerated
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions. Drain.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot or skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking frequently, until it has started to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to very low and stir in the seasonings and parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Add the cooked tortellini and toss to coat.
Notes
- Try adding chicken, pork, or steak for extra protein.
- Mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, peas, diced tomato, or spinach.
- Try sprinkling mozzarella cheese on top and baking for 10 minutes!
Nutrition
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Tortellini Alfredo
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Beth says
I cannot tell you how much I love this! I made it with added Italian sausage, and it was AH-mazing!
Sandra says
So glad I found this recipe! It was a quick, easy and a very delicious dinner, perfect for busy weeknights! Love it!
Erin says
It’s so delish! I’d love to make this again for dinner!
Catalina says
The Tortellini Alfredo was pure comfort food heaven. The sauce was creamy and rich, just how I like it, and it coated the tortellini perfectly.