Buffalo Chicken Tortellini

Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavor, this Buffalo Chicken Tortellini is a comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Cheese-filled tortellini meets shredded chicken, rich buffalo sauce, and a creamy, cheesy base that brings heat and heartiness to your plate. It’s a one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day comfort.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Spicy – Buffalo sauce gives it bold heat, balanced by a creamy sauce.
One-Pan Meal – Quick, hearty, and minimal cleanup.
Cheesy & Satisfying – Tortellini and cheese create the ultimate comfort dish.
Perfect for Leftovers – Great way to use up cooked chicken.
Family-Friendly – Customize the spice level for all taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dish:

• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• ¾ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning (or 1 tsp each dried parsley, dill, garlic powder)
• ½ cup milk (or more for a thinner sauce)
• 1 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Toppings:

• Crumbled blue cheese or extra cheddar
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Extra buffalo drizzle or ranch dressing

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Colander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes).
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Start Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in cream cheese, buffalo sauce, milk, and ranch seasoning.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Chicken & Cheese
Add shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
Mix in shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Stir until melted and combined.

Step 4: Combine with Tortellini
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet.
Stir gently to coat with the buffalo cheese sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Top with more cheese if desired and cover for a few minutes to melt.
Garnish with green onions, parsley, or blue cheese crumbles.
Serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Tortellini
Use Rotisserie Chicken – A quick, flavorful shortcut.
Adjust the Heat – Use more or less buffalo sauce based on spice preference.
Cream Cheese Tip – Soften it first for easy melting.
Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Make it Baked – Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for 3–4 minutes.

Serving Suggestions
With a Crisp Salad – Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly.
With Garlic Bread – Ideal for scooping up that creamy sauce.
Alongside Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
With Celery Sticks – A fun nod to classic buffalo wings.
In a Casserole Dish – Great for serving a crowd or reheating later.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of milk.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Oven: Bake covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes—just cook according to the package before adding.

2. Is it very spicy?
Medium spice level. Reduce buffalo sauce or mix with ranch to tone it down.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add sautéed veggies or plant-based protein instead.

4. What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any favorite brand works.

5. Can I bake it instead of serving from the skillet?
Yes—transfer to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.

Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Tortellini is bold, cheesy, and full of the tangy heat you love from buffalo wings—wrapped up in a creamy pasta dish. It’s everything you crave in a comfort meal, ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging on a weeknight, this one’s sure to become a favorite.

Make it tonight and enjoy spicy comfort in every bite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 6):
Calories: 470 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 720mg

Print