Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen with this incredible Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo copycat recipe. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a luscious, one-pot wonder featuring tender cheese tortellini, perfectly seasoned chicken, and a velvety Alfredo sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Forget the takeout and embrace the ease of a homemade favorite that tastes just like the beloved Panera classic. This recipe captures the essence of Panera’s popular dish, ensuring a delightful and satisfying experience for the whole family without the fuss of multiple pots or a lengthy cooking process. It’s the ultimate comfort food, simplified for your busiest weeknights.
For another quick and comforting pasta dish, be sure to try this Instant Pot Tortellini soup, also ready in under 30 minutes.
If you have fond memories of Panera’s chicken tortellini Alfredo when it graced their menu, then prepare to fall in love with this homemade rendition! Bringing restaurant-quality flavors into your home has never been easier, making this recipe an ideal solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time. This copycat recipe delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken you remember, allowing you to recreate that beloved dining experience with minimal effort.
❤️ Why This Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Will Be Your New Favorite
- **Effortless One-Skillet Dinner:** Say goodbye to endless stacks of dirty dishes. This entire meal comes together beautifully in just one pot or skillet, making cleanup a breeze and truly earning its spot as a great weeknight dinner solution.
- **Irresistibly Delicious & Family-Friendly:** This stove-top meal is a proven crowd-pleaser. Its rich, creamy sauce and tender, cheesy tortellini appeal to sophisticated adult palates while still being simple and comforting enough for even the pickiest eaters among your kids.
- **Perfect for Using Leftover Chicken:** Whether you have some grilled chicken from last night’s dinner or a convenient rotisserie chicken, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It transforms simple leftovers into a gourmet-tasting meal, saving you time and reducing food waste.
- **Hearty & Quick: Ready in Under 30 Minutes:** When hunger strikes, you don’t want to wait. This recipe delivers a satisfying, hearty family favorite dinner from start to finish in less than half an hour, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Our family developed a special love for Panera Bread after our trip to Disney, as our hotel was conveniently located right next to it. That week was filled with magic, and Panera’s food became a delicious backdrop to those cherished memories. So, for us, Panera food isn’t just about satisfying our appetite; it brings a wave of joy and nostalgia to our hearts long before it reaches our tummies. Recreating this chicken tortellini Alfredo at home allows us to relive a piece of that joyful experience.
📝 Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Panera Alfredo
Crafting this restaurant-quality chicken tortellini Alfredo at home requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in how these basic components combine to create a luxurious and flavorful dish. You’ll need fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini, succulent boneless, skinless chicken breast, and the foundational elements for a rich Alfredo sauce like butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Seasonings such as dried oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper elevate the flavors, while chicken stock provides a savory base and flour helps thicken the sauce to perfection. Opting for quality ingredients, especially fresh tortellini, will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your homemade Panera favorite.
🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating this delicious Panera-inspired chicken tortellini Alfredo is remarkably straightforward, even for novice cooks. The key is to follow a few simple steps that ensure tender chicken, perfectly cooked tortellini, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This overview provides the essential actions, guiding you through seasoning the chicken, browning it to perfection, and then combining it with the pasta and sauce ingredients in a single pot. The detailed measurements and precise timings can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below, ensuring your homemade Alfredo is a resounding success.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken pieces with oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with these seasonings.
- Once seasoned, sprinkle all-purpose flour over the chicken and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. The flour will help create a beautiful brown crust and thicken the sauce later.
- In a deep pot or large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides, usually about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate extra flavor.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium. Allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender but still firm to the bite.
- Uncover the pot, then pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir gently to combine and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
💡 Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
- **Alfredo Sauce Shortcuts:** While making your own Alfredo sauce from scratch offers the freshest flavor, you can absolutely save time by using a good quality store-bought creamy Alfredo sauce. Alternatively, try this convenient homemade Alfredo sauce without heavy cream for a lighter option that still delivers on taste.
- **Leverage Leftover Chicken:** This recipe truly shines as a way to use up cooked chicken. Whether you have leftover grilled chicken breast, a rotisserie chicken, or even pre-cooked chicken from your meal prep, it can be easily cubed or shredded and added to the dish. This significantly cuts down on prep and cooking time.
- **Seasoning Substitutions:** If dried oregano isn’t on hand, a good quality Italian seasoning blend makes an excellent substitute. You can also experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or a pinch of dried basil for a slightly different aromatic profile.
- **Achieving Perfect Sauce Consistency:** For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer uncovered, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your preferred consistency. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- **Don’t Overcook the Tortellini:** Fresh or refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it remains al dente and doesn’t turn mushy.
🧺 Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Panera chicken tortellini Alfredo leftovers. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any remaining pasta and chicken to an airtight container. It can then be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture, as pasta tends to absorb liquids as it sits. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, stirring halfway through, but be mindful not to overcook the tortellini.
⌛ Make Ahead Options for Easy Meal Prep
To further streamline your cooking process and make this dish even more convenient, consider these make-ahead strategies:
- **Prepare the Alfredo Sauce in Advance:** The Alfredo sauce can be prepared a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to cook, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or cream to bring it back to a smooth consistency before combining with the chicken and tortellini.
- **Precook Dried Tortellini:** If you are using dried tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated, you can precook it to an al dente stage. Drain it well, toss with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator. This will significantly reduce the final cooking time when you’re ready to assemble the meal.
- **Cook Chicken Ahead:** Season and cook the chicken breast ahead of time, then dice or shred it. Store it in the refrigerator, ready to be added to the pot when you’re preparing the Alfredo.
👩🍳 Exciting Recipe Variations
This Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for creative variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different additions to customize this comforting dish:
- **Flavor Boost with Pesto or Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** For a vibrant twist, try stirring in a tablespoon or two of basil pesto at the end of cooking. Alternatively, adding some chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes introduces a delightful tangy and savory depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- **Incorporate More Veggies:** Boost the nutritional value and add color by stirring in your favorite vegetables. Frozen peas can be added directly from the freezer during the last few minutes of simmering. Fresh spinach wilts quickly when added at the very end. Blanched broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms also make wonderful additions.
- **Alternative Proteins:** While chicken is a classic, feel free to substitute it with other proteins. Sautéed shrimp cooks quickly and adds a delicate sweetness, while thinly sliced steak or even Italian sausage can create a heartier, more robust meal. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.
- **Spice It Up:** For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added along with the garlic for a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- **Cheese Enthusiast’s Delight:** Beyond Parmesan, consider stirring in a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese for extra gooeyness and a slightly different cheesy profile.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Fresh or refrigerated tortellini pasta is highly recommended for this skillet dinner. Its tender texture allows it to cook perfectly in the rich cream sauce without the need for pre-boiling in a separate large pot of water, saving you time and effort.
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used as a convenient alternative. However, be aware that it may require a slightly longer cooking time compared to refrigerated tortellini. Additionally, if the frozen tortellini has frost or ice crystals on it, this extra moisture could slightly dilute the sauce, making it less creamy. It’s best to add it directly from frozen and allow a few extra minutes for it to cook through.
Absolutely! While tortellini adds a lovely cheesy filling, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary, and you might need to adjust the amount of chicken stock or heavy cream to achieve the desired sauce consistency, as different pastas absorb liquid differently.
If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra chicken stock or heavy cream until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to naturally thicken.
While technically possible, freezing this dish is not highly recommended. The dairy in the Alfredo sauce can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing, and the tortellini pasta can become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings for Your Creamy Pasta
Elevate your Panera chicken tortellini Alfredo experience by pairing it with complementary sides that enhance its rich flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful suggestions:
- **Crispy Garlic Bread:** The ultimate companion to any pasta dish, especially a creamy one. This Air Fryer Garlic Bread offers a perfect crunchy texture and savory garlic flavor that’s ideal for soaking up every last bit of the luscious Alfredo sauce.
- **Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables:** For a fresh and wholesome contrast, serve this copycat recipe with some vibrant Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables. The earthy flavors and slight char of the veggies cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully.
- **Light & Fresh Salad:** A simple, crisp salad provides a refreshing counterpoint. Our easy Egyptian Salad, with its bright flavors and fresh vegetables, makes an excellent side, adding a refreshing crunch and a hint of tanginess.
- **A Sweet Finish:** After such a satisfying savory meal, a light and tangy dessert is the perfect palate cleanser. This No Bake Key Lime Pie offers a zesty and sweet conclusion that will leave everyone feeling perfectly content.
📣 More Irresistible Pasta & Chicken Recipes
If you loved this Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful and easy-to-make pasta and chicken dishes:
- Our Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is a fantastic one-skillet meal, known for its cheesy, savory goodness with a hint of spice from the Rotel tomatoes. It’s truly one of our favorite easy weeknight meals, all done with minimal cleanup!
- Experience the taste of Italy with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This incredibly easy one-pot recipe features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s versatile too – you can easily add shrimp or make it vegetarian.
- For a truly comforting and hearty meal, try Macaron Bechamel, the Egyptian take on pastitsio. This baked pasta dish, brimming with rich béchamel sauce and seasoned ground meat, is comfort food with a capital “C”! All you need is a simple salad to serve alongside it.
- Looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd? This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a must-try. It features a luscious creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta all baked to perfection in a single dish, ideal for family gatherings.
- This Alfredo Tortellini Bake offers a creamy, comforting casserole experience that’s both quick and easy to prepare. It’s a satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something hearty.
- Indulge in the ultimate creamy comfort dinner with Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp. This delightful 30-minute meal combines juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and pasta all coated in a rich, decadent Alfredo sauce that your family will adore.
Delightful Copycat Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of recreating restaurant favorites at home, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of amazing copycat recipes that let you enjoy beloved dishes without leaving your kitchen:
- Savor the down-home goodness with our Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice recipe, a soulful and comforting meal that tastes just like the original.
- Bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese fast-food chain home with our delicious Panda Express Chicken Kung Pao, featuring spicy chicken and crunchy peanuts.
- Recreate the iconic street food experience with our authentic Halal Chicken and Rice, complete with its signature white sauce.
- And for burger lovers, learn to elevate your homemade burgers to new heights with this spot-on Big Mac Sauce recipe, perfect for drizzling over sandwiches or using as a dip.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Chicken is a versatile protein, and we have many more mouth-watering recipes to inspire your next meal:
- Prepare to fall in love with this Easy Marry Me Chicken recipe, featuring delicious and satisfyingly tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a quick and easy weeknight meal that will leave everyone wanting more.
- For a special occasion or a hearty weeknight dinner, here’s the best Cornish Hen recipe that the whole family will adore. These small, tender birds are incredibly flavorful and can be made with ease in your crock pot.
We truly hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this delightful Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe! If you do give it a try, please snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry – we absolutely love seeing your culinary creations across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Don’t want to miss out on any new recipes? Sign up for the FREE Amira’s Pantry newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox with lots of exclusive tips and surprises! And remember to stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all our latest updates and delicious inspiration.
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Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
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Equipment
- large bowl
- deep pot or large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt or to your liking
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into cubes
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, plus more for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together cubed chicken, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt and pepper until the chicken is well coated.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the seasoned chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
- In a large, deep pot or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the floured chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on all sides, which typically takes about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
- Uncover the pot, then pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese (if you are using it in the sauce). Stir to combine and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened enough to your liking.
- Serve this creamy Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use olive oil instead of butter if you wish to, for a slightly different flavor profile or dietary preference.
- If you are short on time, you can use a good quality store-bought Alfredo sauce or try our homemade Alfredo sauce without heavy cream for a quick alternative.
- This recipe is an excellent way to utilize any leftover cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, making it even quicker and reducing food waste.
Storage
- Leftover Panera chicken tortellini Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to restore its creamy texture.
Variations
- For a change of flavor, try adding some basil pesto sauce or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dish.
- Increase your vegetable intake by stirring in some frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, fresh spinach (which will wilt quickly), or blanched broccoli florets.
- Instead of chicken, you can use other proteins such as sautéed shrimp or thinly sliced steak for a different take on this creamy pasta dish.
Serve with
- This Panera Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is a comforting and creamy dish that makes a delicious easy dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh Caesar or green salad, and don’t forget a side of crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy for more information.