One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that combines convenience with mouthwatering flavors. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, providing a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and soft tortellini creates a symphony of tastes in every bite. Plus, the one-pot cooking method means minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal with family or friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
• One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll save time on both cooking and cleaning.
• Flavor Explosion: The buttery garlic sauce combined with crushed red pepper flakes delivers an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
• Comfort Food: Rich, creamy textures and hearty ingredients make this dish a satisfying comfort food option.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Pot: A good-sized pot allows you to cook everything at once without overflow, making it perfect for one-pot meals.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even mixing of ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Accuracy in measuring ingredients leads to consistent results every time.

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

How to Make One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same pot, melt a bit more butter if needed.
2. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add in the crushed red pepper flakes and stir to combine.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

1. Add the fresh tortellini to the simmering sauce.
2. Cook for about 4–6 minutes until they are tender and heated through.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pot with tortellini.
2. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
3. Allow everything to cook together for another 2–3 minutes before serving.

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini will quickly become a favorite in your home! Enjoy each comforting bite as you gather around with loved ones.

How to Serve One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Serving One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is easy and can be tailored to suit any occasion. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delightful dish.

Casual Family Dinner

• Serve the tortellini in large bowls, topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a homey feel.

Elegant Dinner Party

• Plate individual servings, garnished with a slice of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil for a sophisticated touch.

Lunch Meal Prep

• Divide the leftover tortellini into meal prep containers, pairing it with a side salad for a balanced lunch throughout the week.

Cozy Movie Night

• Serve the dish in deep bowls alongside garlic breadsticks for an indulgent movie night experience.

Kid-Friendly Fun

• Let kids customize their own bowls by adding colorful vegetables or extra cheese, making mealtime more exciting.

How to Perfect One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Perfecting your One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini will elevate your cooking game. Here are some helpful tips to ensure delicious results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and tortellini enhance flavor and texture, making your dish even more enjoyable.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Start with a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes and increase gradually according to your heat preference.
• Stir Often: Stirring frequently while cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking of the tortellini.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different herbs like chives or oregano as unique garnishes that brighten up the plate.
• Save Leftovers Wisely: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days, reheating gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Pairing side dishes with your One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for soaking up sauce.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad adds freshness; consider using vinaigrette for a zesty contrast.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious; bright green broccoli complements pasta beautifully.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle with olive oil and roast until tender; its earthy flavors pair nicely with creamy tortellini.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini offer great texture and taste when grilled.
6. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers provide a refreshing bite alongside rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Browning the chicken is important, but overcooking can lead to dry meat. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove it once it’s no longer pink.
• Ignoring the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, before adding other ingredients.
• Skipping the Scraping Step: Not scraping the pot can result in losing flavor. Always scrape up any browned bits after cooking the chicken to ensure a rich sauce.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cream directly into the hot broth may cause curdling. Let your cream sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before using it.
• Not Adjusting Spice Levels: The heat from crushed red pepper flakes can vary. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find your preferred spice level.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave some space in the container as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini.

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I replace Parmesan cheese with?

You can use nutritional yeast or any plant-based cheese alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

How do I make One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini spicier?

To increase the spice level, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños during cooking.

Can I substitute chicken with another meat?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace chicken with turkey or beef according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and soft tortellini for a comforting dish the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-pot wonder minimizes cleanup while delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. The spicy garlic butter sauce, enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, creates an irresistible dining experience that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings everyone together around the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini
• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add more butter if needed. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add tortellini to the simmering sauce and cook for about 4–6 minutes until tender.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, mix in Parmesan cheese until melted, and let it cook together for another 2–3 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 120mg