One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Fast and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Creamy and comforting: A rich, garlicky sauce enhanced with Parmesan and cream.
Customizable spice level: You control the heat with crushed red pepper flakes.
Great for entertaining: Elegant enough to serve guests, yet simple enough for a quick dinner.
Kid-friendly: Cheesy tortellini and mild chicken appeal to all ages.
Leftovers reheat well: A great make-ahead option.
Balanced meal: Includes protein, carbs, and a creamy sauce for satisfaction.
Fresh herbs add a gourmet touch: Basil or parsley brightens the final dish.
Perfect pairing: Pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups fresh cheese tortellini (or ravioli)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

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 it aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same pot, add a bit more butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and stir briefly.
Build the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Tortellini:
Add the fresh tortellini to the pot and cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and heated through.
Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Switch the pasta: Use ravioli or gnocchi for a different texture.
Add veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers add flavor and nutrients.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
Extra spice: Add cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
Different cheeses: Try shredded mozzarella, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Low-carb alternative: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Add crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts before serving.
Herb swaps: Try thyme or oregano in place of basil for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce and tortellini texture, but can be frozen if necessary for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount up or down to suit your taste.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes until they are fully heated through.

What type of chicken is best?

Both chicken breast and chicken thighs work well. Thighs offer a richer flavor, while breasts are leaner.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and reheat it before serving. It stores well in the fridge for a few days.

What can I serve with this?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Just add the cooked chicken in the final step to heat it through.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the creamy sauce and cheesy tortellini are generally well-loved by kids. Adjust the spice to suit younger palates.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast, but the flavor will differ from the original.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply scale up the ingredients proportionally. Use a larger pot to accommodate everything.

What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried basil or parsley can be used instead, though fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.

Conclusion

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. It’s creamy, flavorful, and spicy, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Whether you're cooking for the family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress—and it's ready in just 30 minutes. Keep it in your weekly rotation for a cozy, delicious dinner everyone will love.