Copycat Panera Bread Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Indulge in a decadent culinary delight with my Copycat Panera Bread Chicken Tortellini Alfredo. Delicate cheese-filled tortellini, cooked to perfection, are lovingly cradled in a rich Alfredo sauce, crafted from butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, resulting in a luscious, smooth texture that coats each pasta pocket. To elevate the experience, tender pieces of grilled chicken are added, infusing the dish with savory, succulent flavors. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this pasta masterpiece offers a symphony of creamy, cheesy, and savory notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Beyond Delicious: Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Panera-style Tortellini Alfredo is a great recipe that captivates the senses with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
This culinary masterpiece boasts creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce that envelops tender cheese-filled tortellini in a comforting embrace. The rich and velvety sauce, crafted from butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, delivers an indulgent symphony of flavors.
The addition of succulent chicken, seasoned to perfection, introduces a savory depth that complements the creaminess beautifully. Each bite is a harmonious fusion of smooth, cheesy, and savory notes, offering a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
This dish’s versatility allows for endless customization, making it a standout choice for, busy weeknights, casual family dinners, and special occasions.
Copycat Domino’s Parmesan Bread Bites are a great option to accompany this pasta dish. They are perfect for soaking up the delicious Alfredo sauce. Also, lightly steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a fresh and nutritious element to the meal.
A light soup, such as tomato basil soup or vegetable soup, can be a great starter before the pasta. You can also pair it with a bowl of fresh green salad.
Savory Bliss in Every Bite
What is Copycat Panera Bread Chicken Tortellini Alfredo?
Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is a homemade version of a popular menu item from the Panera Bread restaurant chain.
It’s a delicious recipe that combines tender pieces of chicken, cheese-filled tortellini pasta, and a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish is known for its comforting and indulgent flavors, making it a favorite among many Panera Bread customers.
Creamy Delights
Panera Chicken Tortellini Ingredients
Cheese-Filled Tortellini: These pasta pockets are filled with a delicious cheese mixture, adding a rich and savory element to the dish. You can find them at the local grocery store.
Boneless chicken breasts: Usually, tender pieces of cooked chicken are added to chicken tortellini alfredo pasta, providing a savory and protein-rich element. I use boneless chicken breasts.
Alfredo sauce: The key to this dish’s creamy indulgence is the Alfredo sauce. It’s typically made from unsalted butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating a cheesy, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Full Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6–8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked, remove the golden brown chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Set aside.
Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions.
- Drain the tortellini and set them aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan is salty, so you might not need much additional salt.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini in the sauce.
- Place the sliced chicken on top of the sauced tortellini.
- Garnish with chopped, fresh parsley.
- Serve the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo warm, with your favorite side salad, vegetables, or garlic bread.
A Family Favorite
Substitutions
- Protein substitutions: Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp, sliced cooked sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta substitutions: If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or bowtie pasta.
- Dairy-free or vegan options: To make a dairy-free or vegan version, use plant-based butter, almond milk, and vegan Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free Alfredo sauce.
- Gluten-Free Options: If you’re gluten-sensitive, use gluten-free tortellini or pasta and ensure that all other ingredients and seasonings are gluten-free.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your dish a subtle kick.
- Deluxe: Add sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts to the Alfredo sauce for a creamy and tangy twist.
- Mediterranean twist: Top your dish with Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
Delicious Comfort Food
Equipment
You will need a large pot to cook the tortellini, a sauce pan or a large skillet to sauté the chicken breasts and make the Alfredo sauce, and a whisk.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Transfer chicken Alfredo to an airtight container or sealable food storage bag. Chicken Tortellini Alfredo can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop. Remember that creamy dishes like cheesy tortellini Alfredo can thicken in the refrigerator. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the desired consistency.
- Freezing: If you want to store the dish for a longer period, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container or vacuum-sealed bag. Frozen Chicken Tortellini Alfredo can typically be kept for 2–3 months.
An Easy Meal for Busy Days
Top Tips
Use high-quality tortellini, fresh chicken, and fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
Season the chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Properly seasoned chicken adds flavor to the dish. Also, make sure that the chicken breasts are of even thickness to ensure they cook equally.
When making the Alfredo sauce, keep the heat low to prevent the cream from scorching. Stir continuously and patiently to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually to the sauce, stirring constantly until it melts completely. This prevents clumping and ensures a silky sauce.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream, milk, chicken broth, or pasta water if needed. It should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or too runny.
Boil the tortellini until they float to the surface, then remove them promptly to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a mushy texture.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or basil, and grated Parmesan cheese for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Yes, pre-made tortellini is a convenient option. However, fresh tortellini can enhance the overall quality of the dish.
To prevent curdling, cook the sauce over low heat and avoid boiling it. Gradually add the cheese while stirring constantly until it’s fully melted.
Absolutely! Omit the chicken for a vegetarian version, and use plant-based ingredients like vegan tortellini and dairy-free cream for a vegan alternative.
Yes, you can use gluten-free tortellini or pasta to make a gluten-free version of the Panera chicken tortellini alfredo recipe.
Looking for other chicken recipes? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
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Copycat Panera Bread Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Tortellini:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 tbsp light olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Set aside.
Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions.
- Drain the tortellini and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan is salty, so you might not need much additional salt.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini in the sauce.
- Place the sliced chicken on top of the sauced tortellini.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo warm, with your favorite side salad, vegetables, or garlic bread.
