It’s funny how certain smells can instantly transport you back to a specific time and place. For me, the aroma of garlic sautéing in butter always brings me back to my college days. It was a time of late-night study sessions, shared meals with friends, and experimenting with simple, affordable recipes.
Back then, I was on a serious budget, but that didn’t stop me from craving delicious food. One of my go-to meals was a quick pasta dish with garlic butter sauce. It was simple, satisfying, and always hit the spot.
Now, I’ve elevated that memory into something even better, this spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s also a great way to level up your cooking skills, much like mastering the basics of a simple guacamole, as you can see in this recipe: https://cookreel.com/classic-guacamole-recipe/.
Why you’ll love this Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini with Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- It’s a complete meal in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash!
- This chicken tortellini recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The spicy garlic butter sauce is bursting with flavor and complements the tender chicken and cheesy tortellini perfectly.
- You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables.
- It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Chicken tortellini recipe makes every moment feel lush. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, until slightly thickened.
Step 4
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
Step 5
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Add butter and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Step 6
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese tortellini. Spinach and ricotta tortellini would be a delicious alternative. You can also add different spices to the sauce, such as Italian seasoning or smoked paprika. This will add a unique depth of flavor.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be great additions. Sauté them in the pot before adding the garlic and red pepper flakes.
To add a little extra zing, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice right before serving. The acidity will brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the sauce.
Pairings
This spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini pairs perfectly with a simple side salad. A mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing is all you need. The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Garlic bread or breadsticks are a great way to soak up all that delicious sauce. Toast them until golden brown and serve them warm alongside the tortellini. They’re the perfect complement.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the tortellini with a side of roasted vegetables. Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would all be excellent choices. Check out this recipe for easy mini apple pies https://cookreel.com/easy-mini-apple-pies-recipe/ for another quick meal option.
Serving ideas
Garnish the chicken tortellini recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. You can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. This makes the dish look even more appealing.
Serve the tortellini in shallow bowls or plates to show off the creamy sauce and colorful ingredients. This allows everyone to easily enjoy the dish.
For a more elegant presentation, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each serving. This adds a touch of sheen and enhances the overall visual appeal.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pot or microwave to prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat gently until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Freezing is not recommended as the tortellini may become mushy upon thawing. However, if you do freeze it, use it within 1-2 months for best quality.
Make-ahead
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Then, when you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply heat the sauce, add the chicken, and cook the tortellini.
The sauce can also be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. Just reheat the sauce and add the tortellini and chicken when you’re ready to serve.
Another time-saving tip is to buy pre-cut chicken. This eliminates the need to chop the chicken yourself, further reducing the prep time.
Common mistakes when making Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
- Burning the garlic: Garlic burns easily, so be sure to cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully. Burnt garlic can make the entire dish taste bitter.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Tortellini cooks quickly, so be sure to follow the package directions and don’t overcook it. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy.
- Not scraping up the browned bits: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pot are full of flavor, so be sure to scrape them up when you add the chicken broth. This will add depth and richness to the sauce.
- Adding the cream too early: Adding the cream too early can cause it to curdle, so be sure to add it after the chicken broth and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes before adding the cream.
- Forgetting to season: Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes can make a big difference.
Final notes
I hope you enjoy this spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini recipe as much as I do. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to the dish.
Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and create something delicious for yourself and your loved ones.
Now, go ahead and give this chicken tortellini recipe a try. I’m confident that it will become a new favorite in your household!
Loved this Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini? Try these next
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
This one-pot spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Add butter and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. You can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg