One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly. Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of heat, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini (or ravioli)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Add the fresh tortellini to the pot and cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and heated through.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors well.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Swap fresh tortellini with frozen, adjusting cook time slightly as needed.
• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick meals later.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken when combining the sauce and tortellini. Just warm it through instead of cooking it initially.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast.

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

A creamy, spicy, and savory one-pot meal featuring tender chicken and fresh cheese tortellini simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper heat, topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

• 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini (or ravioli)

Sauce Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pot, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to infuse the butter with a spicy kick.
3. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits for added flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Cook the Tortellini: Add the fresh cheese tortellini to the simmering sauce. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and heated through.
5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired before serving.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
• Using fresh tortellini gives the best texture, but frozen can be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for an enhanced presentation.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: one-pot meal, spicy chicken, garlic butter sauce, tortellini, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe