One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini: a whirlwind of creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness that explodes in your mouth with a delightful kick! It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, ready to warm you from the inside out.
Imagine tender chicken, plump tortellini, and a luscious sauce dancing together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. This is the dish you’ll crave on a chilly evening or when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
- Effortless one-pot cooking minimizes cleanup, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your delicious creation.
- The spicy garlic butter sauce provides a flavor explosion that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you wanting more.
- Colorful and vibrant, this dish is a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile option for picky eaters and dietary preferences.
Ingredients for One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Infuse the Garlic Butter
Add the butter to the same pot. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits add so much flavor!
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Creamy Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for another minute or two until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini immediately. Prepare for happy faces around the table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process

To master this one-pot wonder, sear the chicken first to lock in those delicious juices. Next, introduce the tortellini to the party, cooking it right in the sauce. This ensures maximum flavor absorption. Remember, patience is a virtue; don’t rush the simmering process!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap out the chicken for sliced turkey breast. For a vegetarian twist, add some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain its creamy consistency.
Here are some tips for One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini success:
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before searing; this helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in the flavor.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini! Aim for al dente, as they will continue to cook a bit in the sauce and you want to avoid mushiness.
- Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference; a little extra garlic or a pinch of salt can make all the difference.
(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)
My friend once said this recipe was so good, it made her want to write a love song about garlic butter. That’s when I knew I had a winner!
Conclusion for One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini :
This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a comforting, flavorful, and ridiculously easy meal to throw together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. The creamy, spicy sauce coats every bite of tender tortellini and savory chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, crank up the heat (or don’t, if you’re spice-averse), and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure pasta perfection!
Print
One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Delicious one-pot spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless: 1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cheese Tortellini, refrigerated: 20 oz package
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic, minced: 6 cloves
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
- Parmesan Cheese, grated: 1/4 cup, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually around 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another minute until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pot to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor to complement the richness of the dish.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs :
Can I use frozen tortellini for this One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini is a fantastic shortcut. Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking, as directed in the recipe. Keep a close eye on it, though; frozen tortellini can cook a bit faster than fresh, and you want it perfectly al dente, not mushy. If you’re using frozen, you might need to add a splash more broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Honestly, this recipe is so forgiving, it’s hard to mess up. Experiment and adjust to your preference – that’s the beauty of one-pot wonders!
How can I adjust the spice level in this Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini?
Spice is a personal thing, right? If you’re a fire-breathing dragon, go wild with the chili flakes! For those who prefer a milder kick, start with just a pinch and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. A squeeze of lemon juice can also mellow out the heat. Remember that different brands of chili flakes have varying levels of intensity, so trust your taste buds. If you accidentally overdo it, a dollop of plain yogurt or cream cheese can help cool things down.
What are some good substitutions for chicken in this one-pot tortellini dish?
Not feeling chicken tonight? No problem! Turkey breast or even some cooked Italian sausages (chicken or turkey-based, of course!) would be delicious. Cubed tofu that has been pressed to remove moisture also works wonderfully for a vegetarian option. If you are using tofu, I would recommend tossing it with cornstarch and pan-searing it first so that it achieves a nice crispy exterior before adding it to the sauce. Whatever protein you choose, just make sure it’s cooked through before adding the tortellini. Get creative and make it your own!
Can I make this One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you *can* make it ahead, but with a few caveats. The tortellini will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so the sauce will thicken considerably. If you plan to reheat it, add extra broth when you initially make it to compensate. When reheating, add another splash of broth to loosen things up and prevent the pasta from drying out. Keep in mind that the tortellini might become a bit softer than if it was freshly made, but it will still be incredibly tasty.

