Buffalo Chicken Tortellini

Looking to spice up pasta night? This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini brings all the zesty flavor of your favorite game-day wings to a comforting, cheesy pasta dish. Juicy shredded chicken, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy buffalo-style sauce come together in a single skillet for a bold and satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy—all in one unforgettable bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Buffalo Flavor – Creamy, spicy, and tangy all in one dish.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just half an hour using simple ingredients.
One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinner, game day, or potlucks.
Customizable – Easily adjust the heat or swap in your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup buffalo sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet with lid
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes).
3. Drain and set aside. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water if needed for later.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in buffalo sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, ranch dressing, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
7. Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Tortellini
8. Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked tortellini.
9. Gently fold to coat everything in the creamy buffalo sauce.
10. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese
11. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
12. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.
13. Let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
14. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley.
15. Serve immediately with extra ranch or buffalo sauce on the side, if desired.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Tortellini
Use Rotisserie Chicken – Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight meals.
Adjust Heat – Use mild or hot buffalo sauce based on your spice preference.
Make It Extra Cheesy – Mix in cheddar or Monterey Jack for added depth.
Don’t Skip the Ranch – It balances out the heat and adds a creamy tang.
Add Veggies – Stir in spinach or diced bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A cool, crunchy salad with ranch dressing balances the heat.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Roasted Broccoli – Adds a savory, slightly charred contrast.
Sweet Corn – A mildly sweet side to mellow out the spicy flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Heat gently over low, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
   Yes! Just boil it per package instructions before adding it to the sauce.
2. Is this dish very spicy?
   It has a medium spice level. Use less buffalo sauce or mix with extra cream for a milder version.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Definitely. Assemble the full dish, refrigerate, then reheat gently when ready to serve.
4. What cheese works best?
   Mozzarella melts smoothly, but you can also use a blend with cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for more flavor.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Not as written, but you can use gluten-free tortellini and check that your sauces are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Tortellini is a bold, creamy twist on your favorite comfort food. With its spicy kick, gooey cheese, and satisfying pasta, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your weekly dinner rotation. Plus, it’s fast, fuss-free, and adaptable to suit your family’s taste.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 690mg

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