Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini. This one-pan wonder is the perfect fusion of comforting pasta, tender chicken, and a luxuriously creamy sauce with a kick. If you’re looking for a meal that is quick to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress, you’ve found it. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss.
We’re combining cheesy tortellini and juicy chicken breast in a velvety sauce made from garlic, butter, parmesan, and a touch of heavy cream. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle, warming heat that elevates every single bite. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up in your own kitchen.
Why This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe Works
You’ll fall in love with this recipe from the very first bite. The spicy garlic butter sauce is undeniably the star, clinging perfectly to each piece of pasta and chicken. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this entire meal is on the table in 30 minutes. Perfect for hectic weeknights!
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup. Everything comes together in a single skillet, which helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The richness of the butter and cream is cut by a gentle, spicy heat and the sharp, savory notes of garlic and Parmesan.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. It feels gourmet but is secretly simple to prepare. For another guaranteed hit, try this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Cheese Tortellini: Use your favorite refrigerated cheese tortellini. Three-cheese or five-cheese blends work wonderfully.
- Butter: The foundation of our sauce. Use unsalted butter to better control the dish’s saltiness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Don’t be shy with it!
- Red Pepper Flakes: This is where the “spicy” comes from. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level.
- Chicken Broth: Used to deglaze the pan and form the base of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luxurious, creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more robust flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the chicken and the sauce.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Follow these simple steps to create this sensational pasta dish. It’s a straightforward process that delivers delicious results every time.
Prepare the Chicken and Tortellini
First, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. While the chicken cooks, prepare the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain it and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water if you like.
Create the Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where the flavor is!
Combine and Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Stir everything together gently to coat it all in that glorious spicy garlic butter sauce. Let it warm through for a minute or two, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Tortellini Dinner
Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few expert tips to ensure perfect results every time.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini cooks very quickly. Cook it just until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you add it to the hot sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It’s worth the extra minute of prep. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more at the end!
- Save Your Pasta Water: If your sauce becomes too thick, a splash of the starchy pasta water can help loosen it to the perfect consistency.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end and let it wilt into the sauce. Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes also make excellent additions.
- Different Protein: Try this with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp for just a couple of minutes until pink. Or, for another comfort food classic, check out this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
- Make it Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
What to Serve with Your Tortellini
This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. For something more substantial, a side of Homemade Garlic Knots is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
- Freezing: Due to the cream-based sauce, freezing is not recommended as it can cause the sauce to separate upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic with shrimp. Just cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink. You could also use sliced Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
For an even richer and more velvety sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese along with the heavy cream. This will make the sauce exceptionally creamy and decadent.
This dish has a medium heat level. You can easily adjust it by changing the amount of red pepper flakes. Use 1/4 teaspoon for mild heat, or increase to 3/4 teaspoon or more if you love it extra spicy.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best as it cooks quickly and has a wonderful flavor. Three-cheese, five-cheese, or spinach and cheese tortellini are all excellent choices.
This recipe is very versatile. Fresh spinach is a great option—just stir it in at the end until it wilts. Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli also make delicious and healthy additions.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini (The BEST 30-Minute Meal!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra nutrients.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Share Your Creation!
I hope you love this Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini recipe as much as I do! It’s a true weeknight hero that brings so much flavor to the table. If you make this dish, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
