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One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini That’s Creamy, Bold, and Weeknight-Perfect
One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is the kind of recipe that checks every box for a modern home cook. It’s rich without being heavy, spicy without overwhelming, and indulgent while still incredibly easy to make. Best of all, it comes together in a single pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
This dish combines tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a creamy garlic butter sauce infused with gentle heat from chili flakes. The result is a comforting yet exciting pasta dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is approachable for any skill level.
Why One-Pot Meals Are So Popular
One-pot meals have become a staple in modern kitchens for good reason. Cooking everything in a single pan allows flavors to layer naturally, creating deeper taste with fewer steps. The starch released by the pasta helps thicken the sauce, while the chicken juices enrich the base, resulting in a cohesive and well-balanced dish.
In this recipe, the tortellini cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing garlic, butter, and spice as it softens. This technique delivers a creamier texture than traditional boiled pasta and keeps the entire meal streamlined and efficient.
Ingredients You Will Need
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 0.75 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Notes and Flavor Balance
Chicken breast keeps the dish lean while absorbing the garlic butter flavors beautifully. Butter and olive oil together provide richness without burning. Chili flakes add heat gradually, allowing you to customize spice level easily.
Cheese tortellini adds structure and indulgence, while parmesan melts into the sauce, thickening it naturally and enhancing umami. Heavy cream ensures a silky texture that coats every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring mixture back to a light simmer.
- Add tortellini directly to the pan and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional chili flakes before serving.
How Spicy Is This Dish?
This recipe delivers a mild-to-moderate heat level. One teaspoon of chili flakes adds warmth rather than fire. For extra spice, add more flakes or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, reduce chili flakes to 0.5 teaspoon or omit entirely.
Variations to Try
- Extra Creamy Version: Add an additional 0.25 cup cream for a richer sauce.
- Spinach Garlic Butter Tortellini: Stir in fresh spinach at the end until wilted.
- Shrimp Tortellini: Substitute chicken with peeled shrimp, cooking briefly until pink.
- Tomato Garlic Butter Twist: Add 0.5 cup crushed tomatoes for a rosé-style sauce.
One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Creamy one-pot tortellini with tender chicken, garlic butter sauce, and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook chicken in butter and oil until golden, then remove.
- Sauté garlic and chili flakes briefly.
- Add broth and cream and bring to a simmer.
- Cook tortellini directly in sauce.
- Return chicken, add parmesan, and stir until creamy.
Notes
Adjust chili flakes to control spice level.
Serving Suggestions
Serve One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It pairs well with sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea. This dish is satisfying enough to stand alone but also works well as part of a larger dinner spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
