One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

If you’re searching for a dish that combines comfort with flavor, look no further than One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini. This delightful recipe brings together tender chicken, soft tortellini, and a rich garlic butter sauce that is sure to impress. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this meal is simple to prepare and offers a satisfying experience for everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have this delicious dish on the table in no time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple dishes! This recipe requires only one pot, making cleanup easy and efficient.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a rich sauce that elevates the entire dish.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste; you control the spice level!
• Satisfying Meal: Packed with protein from chicken and carbs from tortellini, this dish is hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to have the right tools at hand. This will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for combining all ingredients without spilling, ensuring even cooking.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting chicken and garlic quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help achieve perfect flavors every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

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

For the Tortellini

• 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini (or ravioli)

For the Sauce

• 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

For Garnishing

• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
• Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same pot, melt an additional tablespoon of butter.
• Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Stir in crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

• Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
• Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, then bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

• Add 2 cups of fresh tortellini to the simmering sauce.
• Cook for approximately 4–6 minutes until tender and heated through.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

• Return the cooked chicken back into the pot.
• Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
• Allow everything to cook together for another 2–3 minutes before serving.

How to Serve One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Serving One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great ways to present this delicious dish.

Family-Style Platter

• Arrange the tortellini in a large serving bowl. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Individual Bowls

• Serve in individual bowls for a cozy feel. Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair with slices of crusty bread. This is perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic butter sauce.

Salad on the Side

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad. A light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the tortellini without overpowering it.

Wine Pairing

• Consider a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to balance the spice and richness of the dish.

Leftover Storage

• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.

How to Perfect One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

To achieve the best results with your One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, here are some handy tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Control the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
• Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooked tortellini can become mushy.
• Save Some Pasta Water: Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining; it can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding different cheeses like mozzarella or Romano for varied flavors.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Pairing side dishes with your One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Classic and easy to prepare, garlic bread is perfect for dipping in sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide a healthy contrast to the rich dish.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli offers a nutritious side that complements the flavors well.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances out the creaminess of the tortellini.
6. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side option.
7. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, salami, and marinated artichokes for an Italian-inspired side spread.
8. Zucchini Noodles: Lighten up your plate with spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and garlic as a low-carb option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken with salt and pepper can result in bland flavors. Always season generously before cooking.
• Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini for too long will make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely and taste for doneness.
• Not scraping the pot: Ignoring the browned bits in the pot means missing out on flavor. Always scrape those bits up when adding broth to enhance the sauce.
• Using low-quality cheese: Cheap Parmesan won’t melt well or provide good flavor. Opt for fresh, grated Parmesan for the best results.
• Rushing the sauce: Skipping the simmering step can lead to a thin sauce. Allow time for flavors to meld by simmering after adding cream.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The dish will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as expansion occurs when freezing.
• For best quality, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes! You can use frozen tortellini; just increase cooking time slightly according to package instructions.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños when sautéing garlic.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp or diced sausage would work well as alternatives while maintaining great flavor.

What sides go well with One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini?

Garlic bread and a simple green salad complement this dish perfectly for a complete meal.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is an easy yet flavorful dish that suits any occasion. Its creamy sauce and comforting ingredients make it versatile enough for dinner parties or weeknight meals. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is the perfect weeknight meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, soft cheese tortellini, and a rich garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe requires minimal cleanup thanks to its one-pot preparation. With customizable spice levels and the option to add vegetables for extra nutrition, you can easily make this dish your own. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this creamy and delicious pasta experience!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini
• 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
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Remove from pot.
2. In the same pot, melt an additional tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds), then stir in crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add tortellini and cook for about 4–6 minutes until tender.
5. Return cooked chicken to the pot and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Cook for another 2–3 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 130mg