If you are craving a comfort meal that combines creamy, spicy, and garlicky flavors all in one dish, you are going to fall in love with this One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a spicy garlic butter sauce that comes to life right in your skillet. This recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. Just one pot, some essential ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty dinner that will quickly become a staple in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish shines because of its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the rich and spicy sauce, the tender chicken morsels, and the perfect texture of cheese-filled tortellini. These basics are pantry-friendly and fresh, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create that luscious garlic butter sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for searing chicken to a golden brown without burning the butter.
- Chicken breasts (2 large): Cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and an even coating with the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings in fragrant herbs that elevate the chicken’s flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every element.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star ingredient providing a bold, aromatic kick.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Adds a vibrant heat that livens up the creamy sauce; adjust to your spice preference.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the creamy, dreamy base of the sauce that clings to the tortellini and chicken.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): For a nutty, salty punch that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces): Soft, cheesy pillows that soak up all the spicy garlic butter goodness.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds a fresh, green pop of color and a little boost of nutrients.
- Optional – extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes: Perfect for garnishing and personalizing your dish at the table.
How to Make One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the bite-size chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step infuses the chicken with flavor right from the start. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until it’s cooked through and boasting a gorgeous golden crust. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, so you don’t lose any of those tasty browned bits.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes in Butter
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about a minute until their scents fill your kitchen. This step layers a spicy, garlicky foundation for the sauce that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let this luscious mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken up nicely and create a silky texture that you’ll adore. The cheese melts into the cream, making every spoonful rich and comforting.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini in the Sauce
Add the refrigerated tortellini straight into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer uncovered for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method cooks the tortellini perfectly while soaking them in the spicy garlic butter sauce, maximizing flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Return Chicken
Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until it wilts, introducing a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish. Then, return the chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together so that each component is beautifully coated in the rich sauce. At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
How to Serve One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat and a lovely finishing touch. Adding these garnishes at the table lets everyone customize their plate to their liking, making this dish feel special and personal.
Side Dishes
This one pot wonder pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or garlic bread to mop up all the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple steamed broccoli are also excellent companions that bring texture and contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dish directly from the skillet for a cozy, communal feel or plate it with a fresh basil leaf on top to add a fresh aroma and bright color. For dinner parties, try presenting it in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen and develop overnight, making your next meal just as delightful. Leftover spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini keeps well for 2 to 3 days, perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freezing is an option, though it’s best done before adding the spinach to maintain texture. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. Stir often to warm everything evenly and preserve the creamy texture and spicy flavor of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but you might need to add a couple more minutes to the cooking time. Just make sure to keep the skillet covered while simmering so they cook through properly in the sauce.
How spicy is this One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice to suit your taste by adding more or less. For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes to half a teaspoon or skip them altogether.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully for a juicier option, and shrimp is a fantastic alternative for a seafood twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The cheese tortellini typically contains gluten, but you can find gluten-free tortellini varieties in most grocery stores that will work just as well, making this dish accessible for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers along with the spinach for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Just add them during the sauce simmering step so they cook through properly.
Final Thoughts
There is just something incredibly satisfying about a creamy, spicy, garlicky pasta dish that comes together in one pot without fuss. The One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe is a wonderfully cozy meal filled with bold flavors, beautiful textures, and easy-to-find ingredients. I genuinely hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and delicious as I do, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply treating yourself to an extra special dinner.
Print
One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy garlic butter sauce with a spicy kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Fat & Oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Carbohydrates & Vegetables
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Extra red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the bite-size chicken breast pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning thoroughly to infuse flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until fully cooked and golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, releasing their aroma.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring.
- Cook tortellini in the sauce: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add spinach and combine chicken: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if preferred.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Use refrigerated or fresh cheese tortellini for best texture and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and rich.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through before adding it back to the sauce to keep it tender.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
