If you crave a comforting yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy tortellini, and a bold garlic butter sauce with just the right amount of heat, then One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is your perfect solution. This recipe delivers richness and spice in every bite while keeping cleanup minimal since everything cooks in one pot. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: quick preparation, minimal tools, and a flavor profile that rivals restaurant-quality meals. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds and become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

To achieve the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory depth, gather the following ingredients:

Chicken:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
Pasta:
- 1 package (9 ounces / 250 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Creaminess:
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Freshness & Garnish:
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instruction

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels to help them brown better.
Season them generously with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Spicy Garlic Butter Base

In the same pot, lower the heat slightly to medium.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Stir in the minced garlic, red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn.

Step 4: Add Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Add the tortellini directly into the simmering sauce.
Stir occasionally and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate Chicken and Spinach

Return the seared chicken to the pot.
Add the spinach leaves and stir until wilted.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes as needed.
Allow everything to simmer together for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended because the cream sauce and tortellini may lose their texture.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may separate.

Variations

Protein Swaps: Replace chicken with shrimp, Italian sausage, or even tofu for a different twist.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double up on spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Cheese Upgrade: Add mozzarella pearls at the end for an extra gooey finish.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter to 2 tablespoons.
Extra Heat: Stir in a spoonful of chili paste or hot sauce if you want fiery intensity.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Pair with a crisp green salad for freshness.
A glass of chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) balances the richness.
For a complete family meal, add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus on the side.

Conclusion

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini blends convenience and bold flavor in a single dish. The combination of tender chicken, creamy tortellini, and a spicy garlic butter sauce ensures a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. With easy variations, simple storage options, and versatile serving ideas, this recipe adapts to weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. By mastering the balance of spice, cream, and freshness, you create a dish that delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.

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One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

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

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Description

A creamy, flavorful one-pot pasta dish that combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a spicy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

Pasta

1 package (9 oz / 250 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter

6 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

½ tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquids & Creaminess

1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Freshness & Garnish

1 cup baby spinach leaves (optional)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

Build the Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter, garlic, chili flakes, cayenne, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1 minute.

Add Liquids: Stir in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini to sauce. Simmer 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Combine Chicken & Spinach: Return chicken to pot. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.

Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Simmer 2 minutes more. Serve hot.