One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This one-pot spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini is a creamy, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and easily. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, garlicky sauce with just the right amount of heat.

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 pieces with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining butter to the same pot. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 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 to 6 minutes, until the pasta is tender and heated through.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with the chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh tortellini for the best texture, but frozen works well too—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the sauce, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw the chicken completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure it browns nicely and cooks evenly.

What can I substitute for tortellini?

You can use ravioli, gnocchi, or small pasta shapes like penne or farfalle, adjusting cooking times as needed.

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

A comforting and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken pieces and cheesy tortellini simmered in a spicy garlic butter cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines sautéing and simmering in a single pot, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with rich flavors and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.

• Author: Mia
• 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 and Seasonings

• 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 for about 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Into the same pot, melt a bit more butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to infuse heat into the butter sauce.
3. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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 fully melted and incorporated. Let the entire dish cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh tortellini or ravioli for best texture; frozen works but may require slight adjustment to cooking time.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.
• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: one pot chicken tortellini, garlic butter chicken, creamy tortellini, spicy chicken pasta, easy one pot dinner