If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors yet comes together effortlessly in one pot, then you need to try this absolutely irresistible One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces, luscious cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy, spicy garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comfort food elevated with just the right touch of heat and richness, perfect for those nights when you want dinner done fast but without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be few, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and herbal freshness that defines this dish. Carefully chosen, they help keep the recipe quick, flavorful, and comforting.

Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb): Bite-sized pieces provide tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Fresh cheese tortellini (2 cups): Soft, cheesy pasta pockets add delightful texture and melty goodness.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Bring aromatic punch and depth, essential for the savory base.

Butter (4 tbsp): Provides richness and the silky mouthfeel that carries the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1 tsp): Adds a subtle kick that wakes up every other ingredient—adjust to your heat preference.

Chicken broth (2 cups): Forms the flavorful liquid base that keeps the dish moist and savory.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, creamy sauce everyone will love.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for sharp, nutty complexity.

Fresh basil or parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Offers a fresh, herbal lift to brighten the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.

How to Make One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Then, add the chicken pieces and cook them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through, about six to eight minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for the moment—this not only locks in flavor but frees up space to build your sauce next.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Using the same pot, melt a little more butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly—just 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step wakes up the aroma without burning the garlic. Next, add the crushed red pepper flakes so their heat melds gently into the buttery base, teasing your taste buds for the wonderful flavors coming next.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the pot’s bottom; these bits are flavor gold. Bring the broth to a simmer before stirring in the heavy cream. This creates a silky luxurious sauce that’s simultaneously rich and silky, providing the perfect environment for the tortellini to cook and soak up all those marvelous flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Gently add the fresh cheese tortellini to the pot. Let them cook for four to six minutes until tender and heated through. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than dried pasta and, importantly, will absorb the spicy garlicky sauce, turning each bite into a luscious experience you won’t forget.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. As the cheese melts, it enriches the sauce with a sharp, nutty flavor and a velvety texture. Allow the whole mix to cook together for another two to three minutes to marry all the flavors perfectly, then sprinkle the fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

How to Serve One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish from tasty to restaurant-worthy. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. For an extra cheesy finish, dust with more grated Parmesan just before serving. If you like a little green crunch, a thinly sliced scallion works wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish is often complete on its own, but if you want to add some texture or contrast, consider a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also pair beautifully, balancing the creamy richness. Freshly baked garlic bread or a warm baguette makes perfect dipping companions, ensuring no sauce goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family style meal, serve the One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini right from the pot, garnished with fresh herbs and cheese. Alternatively, plate it elegantly by twirling the tortellini into neat nests and topping with chicken and sauce drizzled artistically—perfect for impressing dinner guests or a date night in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be hard!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen, but since tortellini can absorb sauce over time, you may want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy and fresh.

Freezing

This dish freezes reasonably well. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Reheating

Reheat your One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add a little broth, cream, or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?

Dried tortellini can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the simmering step to ensure the pasta is fully cooked and tender before adding the chicken back in. Fresh tortellini is preferred for a softer, more delicate texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For dairy-free options, full-fat coconut milk works well, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.

How spicy is this dish?

The crushed red pepper flakes give it a gentle but noticeable heat that can be adjusted according to your preference—simply reduce or increase the amount. If you prefer no spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes and still enjoy lots of garlic and buttery flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add mushrooms or your favorite veggies for texture and nutrition. The key is to keep the rich garlic butter and creamy sauce intact.

What kind of cheese tortellini is best?

Fresh cheese tortellini with a mild ricotta or mozzarella filling is ideal here because it melts smoothly and balances the spicy sauce. Avoid overly strong flavored fillings as they might compete with the garlic butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, layered with satisfying textures and bold flavor notes that you’ll want to make all over again. It’s the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight but shines bright enough for special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how such a simple list of ingredients can create such a delicious, unforgettable experience!

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a quick and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh cheese tortellini, and a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines rich flavors and simple ingredients all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to infuse the heat into the butter.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot gently to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Tortellini: Add the fresh cheese tortellini to the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and heated through.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the tortellini and sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.

Fresh cheese tortellini works best, but fresh ravioli can be substituted.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can be a backup but reduces freshness.

Leftover portions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 18g

Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: one-pot chicken recipe, spicy garlic chicken, garlic butter chicken, chicken tortellini, easy pasta dinner, creamy chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner