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
Scale
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.
