One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Tender chicken and creamy tortellini are enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s perfect for a cozy 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 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 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté 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. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and heated through.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Cook everything together for another 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for more juicy, flavorful meat if you prefer dark meat over breast.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to make the dish milder or spicier according to your taste.
• Swap fresh tortellini with frozen ravioli or another filled pasta if desired.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini or ravioli can be used. Just increase the cooking time slightly and cook until they float and are tender.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I don’t have any?

Dried basil or parsley can be used in smaller amounts—about one-third the quantity of fresh. Add them during the sauce simmer for best flavor.

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 81 reviews

A flavorful and creamy one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, spicy garlic butter sauce, and fresh cheese tortellini, all cooked together for a quick and comforting meal.

• Author: Leo
• 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

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp butter (divided)

Sauce and Pasta

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

Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, melt 4 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. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In 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 the heat into the butter.
3. Build the Sauce: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add flavor. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Tortellini: Add 2 cups of 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 back into the pot with the tortellini and sauce. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Fresh cheese tortellini or ravioli work best for this recipe, but frozen can be used if fresh is unavailable.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result, or breasts for leaner meat.
• For added vegetables, stir in spinach or mushrooms when building the sauce.

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