One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken and fresh tortellini in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that has just the right amount of kick. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, the one-pot method means minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding vegetables or using different pasta shapes.
- One-Pot Wonder: All ingredients cook together in one pot, making cleanup simple and efficient.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends; it’s a dish that satisfies all palates.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started with your One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking everything together while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping ingredients, ensuring efficiency and safety in your prep work.
- Knife: A good knife makes cutting chicken and vegetables quick and easy.

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
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pot, melt a bit more butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (approximately 30 seconds). Add the crushed red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any bits stuck to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add the fresh cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook for 4–6 minutes until they are tender and heated through.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the sautéed chicken to the pot. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your rich, flavorful One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini!
How to Serve One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Serving One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this flavorful dish that will impress your family and guests.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and a fresh taste.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest on top to enhance the flavors and add a citrusy brightness.
Accompanied by Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: A sliced baguette pairs perfectly, allowing you to enjoy every bite of the creamy goodness.
With a Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine lettuce and croutons in a classic Caesar salad complements the creamy tortellini nicely.
How to Perfect One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
To ensure your One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, herbs, and tortellini yield the best flavor and texture in your dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Start with less crushed red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to heat; you can always add more later!
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Keep an eye on cooking time; fresh tortellini cooks quickly, usually in just 4–6 minutes.
- Stir Frequently: Stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving; adjust salt, pepper, or cheese according to your preference.
- Leftover Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
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 great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: This classic is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the rich tortellini.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil adds depth and flavor.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts until crispy offers a delightful crunch alongside the pasta.
- Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs makes for a refreshing side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:
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Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking it.
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Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking the tortellini for too long can make it mushy. Follow the package instructions and check for doneness after 4-6 minutes.
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Neglecting the garlic: Burning the garlic can ruin the dish’s flavor. Sauté it just until fragrant, which usually takes about 30 seconds.
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Using cold ingredients: Adding cold cream or broth can affect cooking time and texture. Allow them to come to room temperature before use for better results.
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Not scraping the pot: Failing to scrape up browned bits from the pot can leave you with an unbalanced taste. Make sure to deglaze with broth for maximum flavor.
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Rushing the process: Trying to speed up cooking by increasing heat may lead to unevenly cooked chicken. Keep the heat at medium-high for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
- Place in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low while stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini:
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can substitute turkey or beef if you prefer a different protein option in your One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more crushed red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños during cooking.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Absolutely! You can replace butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust spice levels and ingredients based on your preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a flavorful dish that’s easy to customize!
One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Indulge in the rich flavors of One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, a delightful dish that brings a comforting meal to your table in just 30 minutes. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken and cheesy tortellini enveloped in a luxurious garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Sauté the seasoned chicken in melted butter over medium-high heat until browned (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add chicken broth while scraping any bits from the pot. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Toss in the tortellini and cook for 4–6 minutes until tender.
- Return the chicken to the pot and mix in grated Parmesan until melted. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
