One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Name: One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 2 cups tortellini (fresh or frozen); 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a quick and easy dish bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2025-12-11T12:49:39.724Z

This dish combines the richness of garlic butter with spicy chicken and tender tortellini, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare in just one pot
Bursting with flavor from garlic and spices
Comforting and satisfying for the whole family

      

A Perfect Weeknight Meal

When you're juggling a busy schedule, finding time to prepare a delicious meal can feel overwhelming. This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is here to save the day! Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also offers a comforting blend of flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. With just one pot to clean, you’ll spend more time enjoying dinner and less time doing dishes.

The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory tortellini makes this dish a family favorite. It’s the perfect solution for hectic weeknights when you want something hearty without compromising on flavor. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients. Fresh garlic provides a robust base, while the red pepper flakes add a kick of heat that elevates the dish. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it versatile for both kids and adults. The richness of the butter and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that envelops the tortellini perfectly.

Using fresh or frozen tortellini not only saves time but also ensures that you can whip this dish up whenever the craving strikes. The chicken adds protein to keep everyone satisfied, making this a well-rounded meal that's both delicious and nutritious.

Garnishing and Serving Tips

When it comes to serving this delightful dish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors. You can also consider adding a touch of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Serve this dish in deep bowls to capture all the creamy sauce, and don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping!

Pair this meal with a light salad or steamed vegetables to round out your dinner. It’s a complete meal that’s not only satisfying but also visually appealing, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends.

Ingredients

For the Dish

1 pound chicken breast, diced
2 cups tortellini (fresh or frozen)
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Add Ingredients

Add the red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Cook the Tortellini

Add the tortellini and cooked chicken back into the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the tortellini from becoming too soft, store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

This recipe is also excellent for meal prep! Make a larger batch and portion it out into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember that the flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day!

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences! For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also experiment with different types of tortellini, such as cheese-filled or spinach-flavored, to add new dimensions to the dish.

If you enjoy extra spice, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. For a more Italian flair, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can create a unique dining experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works great in this recipe; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, but cooking times may vary.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.