If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors, comforting textures, and that unbeatable one-pot convenience, then I have just the thing for you: the One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe. This dish combines juicy chicken, tender cheese tortellini, and a luscious garlicky buttery sauce with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s creamy, spicy, and richly satisfying—all finished in a single pot to save you time on cleanup and fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little cozy dinner magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make the One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe is a breeze when you gather these simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from the rich creaminess to the punchy garlic and fiery spice that keep the dish exciting and full of flavor.
- Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces, these bring tender protein and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh cheese tortellini (2 cups): Soft, cheesy, and the perfect pasta to hold onto all that garlicky butter love.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star aromatic that perfumes the whole dish with its irresistible fragrance.
- Butter (4 tbsp): Provides a rich, creamy base and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1 tsp): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat—adjust to your spice preference.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Introduces savory depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce luxurious creaminess that blankets every ingredient.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds sharp, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Brightens up the final dish with a lovely pop of green and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken bites with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Melt half of the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside—you’ll bring it back later to soak up even more sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spice It Up
In the same pot, add a little more butter if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. This step only takes about 30 seconds, but it’s crucial for that utterly intoxicating garlic aroma. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes right after so the spicy notes get toasted lightly and integrate deeply into your base.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Broth Base
Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful browned bits left from the chicken and garlic. That’s where a lot of flavor lives! Add the heavy cream and gently bring everything to a simmer so all those rich ingredients can start to mingle.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Once your creamy broth is simmering, add the fresh cheese tortellini directly into the pot. Let them cook for 4 to 6 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally to keep them from sticking and to ensure they soak up the sauce as much as possible.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Parmesan
Return the browned chicken to the pot and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together so the cheese melts into the sauce, thickening it and enhancing the overall flavor. Let it all cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so those flavors can fully marry before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh garnish! A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley not only adds a gorgeous pop of color but also brings a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the richness of the sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is so hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli pairs beautifully. The acidity and crunch from the sides provide a lovely contrast to the creamy tortellini.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or just to impress, serve the One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or colorful bell peppers. You could also top it with freshly shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These little touches make the meal feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious—if not better.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, especially if you want to save portions for a busy day. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in a sealed container. When properly frozen, it will stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers over low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep everything creamy and smooth, just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time since frozen tortellini takes a bit longer to become tender, but the result will still be delicious.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The level of spiciness depends on how much crushed red pepper you add. The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, which gives a mild, pleasant heat, but you can always add less or more to suit your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the regular tortellini for a gluten-free variety—you’ll want to make sure to adjust the cooking time as recommended on the package.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
While Parmesan provides a nice sharp flavor and gravitas to the sauce, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or even a mild Asiago if you want to mix things up.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken for this recipe?
Cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures quick and even cooking and makes eating the dish much easier and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that are bursting with flavor yet come together quickly and easily, the One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s comforting, vibrant, and satisfying all at once—and to top it off, cleanup is a breeze. Next time you want a hearty dinner that feels special without any fuss, this recipe will be waiting to delight your taste buds.
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One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy, spicy one-pot meal combining tender chicken, garlic-infused butter, and cheese tortellini simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, garnished with fresh herbs for an easy and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini
Sauce & 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Season and brown the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat half the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and spices: In the same pot, add more butter if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to infuse heat.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the fresh cheese tortellini to the simmering sauce. Cook for 4–6 minutes or until the tortellini is tender.
- Combine and finish: Return the browned chicken to the pot, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and cook together for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spice based on preference.
- Use either chicken breast or thighs depending on desired tenderness and flavor.
- Fresh cheese tortellini works best, but frozen can be substituted if cooked slightly longer.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a bright, fresh flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
