Looking for a quick, flavorful tortellini dinner? This one-pot Buffalo chicken and cheese tortellini combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy buffalo sauce—ready in just 20 minutes.
If you love the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo sauce, this dish is an easy, comforting way to enjoy it. It takes the classic combination of buffalo chicken and cheese and brings it together with refrigerated cheese tortellini for a creamy, satisfying weeknight meal. Everything cooks in a single skillet, which keeps cleanup to a minimum and lets the flavors meld quickly.
This recipe is a variation on classic buffalo cheesy pasta dishes—swapping penne for cheese-filled tortellini makes it even richer and more indulgent. The tortellini soaks up the creamy buffalo sauce, and the cubed cream cheese, along with shredded cheddar, produces a silky finish that coats every bite.
Ingredients — Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Tortellini
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buffalo sauce, divided
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Toss the cubed chicken with ½ cup of the buffalo sauce so the pieces are evenly coated.
- When the butter has melted, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add the refrigerated tortellini to the skillet along with the paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the remaining ½ cup buffalo sauce and the chicken broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 7–8 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the lid and stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and form a smooth, creamy sauce, about 3–4 minutes.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with diced green onions if desired.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
- For milder heat, use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount by a few tablespoons. To increase heat, add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Top with chopped celery or sliced green onions for fresh crunch and color. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top is also delicious when serving.
- If you prefer a richer base, swap part of the chicken broth for half-and-half, or add an extra ounce of cream cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Protein alternatives: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even faster version—toss it in with the cheese at the end to warm through.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or Monterey jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between heating periods.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh; freezing may change the texture of the tortellini and sauce. If you must freeze, store without added garnish and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Summary
This One Pot Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Tortellini is a fast, flavorful meal that brings together tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy buffalo sauce for a comforting dinner in about 20 minutes. It serves 4 people and makes a great weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal.
Quick Facts
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 711 kcal
