Buffalo Chicken Tortellini

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes with a spicy kick, this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Combining tender cheese tortellini, juicy shredded chicken, and a bold buffalo-style sauce, this recipe brings all the flavor of buffalo wings—without the mess.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold & Spicy Flavor – Perfect for those who love a little heat with their comfort food.
Creamy & Cheesy – The sauce is rich and satisfying with the perfect texture.
30-Minute Meal – Quick and easy for busy weeknights.
Kid-Friendly Twist – Adjust the spice to make it suitable for all ages.
Great for Leftovers – Makes a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Tortellini:

• 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• Salt for boiling water

For the Buffalo Chicken Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• ½ cup buffalo-style hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup milk (for thinning the sauce, as needed)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Topping & Garnish:

• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 3–4 minutes).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
7. Add the buffalo-style hot sauce, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and onion powder.
8. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
9. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Add Cheese & Combine
10. Stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
11. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
12. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece with the buffalo sauce.

Step 4: Finish & Garnish
13. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top and cover for 1–2 minutes until melted.
14. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley if using.
15. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tortellini
Use Rotisserie Chicken – It’s a quick and flavorful option.
Control the Heat – Use less buffalo sauce or add extra yogurt if you want a milder flavor.
Cheese Swap – Try blue cheese crumbles if you love classic buffalo pairings.
Make it a Bake – Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheddar, and broil for 5 minutes for a golden crust.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
Garlic Bread – Scoop up every bit of the creamy buffalo sauce.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds a healthy, crunchy contrast.
Celery Sticks – For that classic buffalo wing side vibe.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze:
Not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, but if you must, freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat:
Stovetop – Add a splash of milk or broth and warm over low heat.
Microwave – Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just cook according to the package directions and proceed as usual.

2. What’s the best buffalo-style sauce?
Any good-quality hot sauce labeled as “buffalo style” will work—choose one that matches your heat tolerance.

3. Is there a dairy-free version?
You can try dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternatives, but the texture and taste will vary slightly.

4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prep everything up to the final cheese topping, refrigerate, then reheat and add cheddar just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini is spicy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day crowd-pleaser. With just the right mix of heat and creaminess, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your table.

Try it once and it might just replace your regular mac and cheese. Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your dish on social media—I’d love to see how you make it your own!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 710mg

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