Say hello to our irresistible recipe for creamy tortellini alfredo! With just 6 simple ingredients, this dish will effortlessly satisfy your cravings for a comforting, flavorful meal.
$14.41 per recipe / $1.80 per serving
Here’s a simple dinner recipe to throw together in a pinch — Creamy Tortellini Alfredo!
This family-friendly favorite only requires a handful of ingredients that marry together into a velvety and comforting noodle delight.
I love this pasta dish because it comes together so quickly and the flavor is spot on! Perfect for a busy weeknight.
This recipe works because it’s:
- Easy to prepare. There are only 6 ingredients and most are pantry staples.
- Quick! You’ll only need 25 minutes from start to finish, so it’s perfect for busy families.
- A crowd-pleaser. The whole family will enjoy this buttery and cheesy pasta recipe. There’ll be no complaining or tears at the dinner table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook 19 ounces of tortellini according to package directions.
Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 4 Tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook stirring occasionally until the butter has melted and the garlic is browned but not burnt (about 2 minutes).
Add 7 ounces of chive and onion cream cheese to the skillet and stir until the cream cheese has melted (about 2 minutes).
Then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly as you add it.
Slowly add 1½ cups of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thick.
Add the warm tortellini to the sauce and stir to coat.
Serve with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
You can save ¼ cup of pasta water and use it as needed if the sauce becomes too thick.
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can try half and half or evaporated milk.
When you add the cream cheese to the butter, it may start to look curdled. Just keep stirring it until it starts to melt down.
Make sure you use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the alfredo sauce. The biggest difference between a nice, creamy sauce and a thick clumpy sauce is using freshly grated cheese. The pre-shredded stuff that comes in a bag will not melt down well.
If you’re out of some of the ingredients, try these substitutions:
Recipe Cost
The cost per serving for this recipe is only $1.80, making this a super affordable and delicious meatless dinner or side dish recipe.
You’ll need a grand total of about $14.41 to make this dish. And that’s with none of the ingredients on sale!
- Tortellini: $4.27
- Butter: $0.48
- Minced garlic: $0.10
- Cream cheese spread: $3.38
- Heavy Cream: $1.68
- Parmesan cheese: $4.50
Serve This With
This yummy tortellini alfredo pairs well with a main protein like chicken, pork, beef, or fish.
To complete your meal, you can also include bread and salad.
Here are some of our favorites:
Protein
Bread
- Rhodes Rolls Breadsticks
- Cheesy French Bread
- Refrigerator Mashed Potato Rolls
- No-Knead Crescent Rolls
- Parmesan Drop Biscuits
Veggie
- Spinach Strawberry Salad with Almonds
- Persimmon Salad with Goat Cheese and Oranges
- Ultimate Winter Green Salad with Pomegranate, Pears, and Pecans
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
FAQs
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the cooked tortellini and Alfredo sauce separately in the refrigerator. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.
To make a lighter Alfredo sauce, you can use a combination of milk and chicken broth instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter and use a lighter cheese option.
Yes, you can customize your Tortellini Alfredo by adding vegetables such as spinach, peas, or mushrooms. Additionally, you can include cooked meat and seafood like chicken, shrimp, and pork for added protein.
Creamy Tortellini Alfredo
Ingredients
- 19 ounces tortellini
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 7 ounces chive and onion cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and minced garlic and cook stirring occasionally until the butter has melted and the garlic is browned but not burnt (about 2 minutes).
- Add chive and onion cream cheese to the skillet and stir until the cream cheese has melted (about 2 minutes).
- Then pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly as you add it.
- Slowly add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thick.
- Add the warm tortellini to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.