There’s nothing quite like the comforting richness of pasta paired with the bold flavors of garlic, butter, and spice—and this One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini brings them all together effortlessly. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet quick to prepare. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds. I tried adding a splash of cream at the end for extra silkiness, and it made the dish irresistibly smooth. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this dish turns an ordinary dinner into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those who love comfort food with a little spice. The garlic butter sauce coats every bite of tortellini, while tender chicken adds satisfying protein. It’s an ideal choice for quick dinners since it’s ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup. The combination of creamy sauce, spicy notes, and cheesy tortellini delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
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One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini – A Comforting Meal with a Kick
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a quick, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce — all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Add to skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add tortellini and cook uncovered for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and sauce begins to thicken.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a flavor twist.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for this recipe. It cooks quickly and absorbs the spicy garlic butter flavors beautifully.
Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish! Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini adds rich creaminess to the sauce and makes the dish extra filling.
Butter: The base of the sauce, butter gives the dish its luscious, silky texture and rich flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic flavor. The more garlic, the better the taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add heat and a touch of smokiness. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. I’ve tried substituting with half-and-half for a lighter touch, and it still tastes wonderful.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that balances the spice and richness of the dish.
Chicken Broth: Helps cook the tortellini and infuses it with savory depth. It also prevents the sauce from being overly thick.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken, helping it brown evenly and stay juicy.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
Parsley (Optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle in more red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5–7 minutes, until tender.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring constantly. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and toss everything together so the tortellini and chicken are coated evenly in the creamy, spicy garlic butter sauce.
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, spicy richness in every bite.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Perfect for serving 4 people as a filling dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content in the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Spinach Version: Add a handful of baby spinach at the end for a fresh, colorful touch.
Extra Spicy Kick: Mix in a bit of chili paste or sriracha for a bolder flavor.
Bacon Lovers’ Twist: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty contrast.
Mushroom Delight: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy flavor boost.
Lemon Butter Balance: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the rich sauce.
Shrimp Substitute: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist that cooks in minutes.
Veggie Boost: Add roasted cherry tomatoes or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and less butter for a lighter sauce.
Herb Infusion: Toss in Italian seasoning or fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
Cheesy Overload: Stir in mozzarella or provolone for a gooey, cheesy pull.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust by adding or reducing red pepper flakes.
3. Can I make this without cream?
You can replace the cream with milk and a bit of cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
4. What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work perfectly for this recipe.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it at the end to warm through before serving.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
7. What’s the best pasta substitute?
Ravioli or penne work well if tortellini isn’t available.
8. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can cook everything in advance and reheat gently before serving.
9. How do I make it creamier?
Add extra Parmesan or a bit more cream before serving.
10. What side dishes go well with it?
Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a flavor-packed, creamy pasta dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. The tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and spicy garlic butter sauce create the ultimate comfort meal that’s ready in just half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or need a quick weeknight solution, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals.