Looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting dinner? This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavors. Tender chicken, soft cheese-filled tortellini, and a buttery, garlicky sauce with a hint of spice make this a hearty meal that comes together in just one pot. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or impressing guests without the mess.

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Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper.
In a large pot or deep skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pot, melt the remaining butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

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

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Add fresh tortellini to the simmering sauce.
Cook 4–6 minutes until tender and fully coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Cheese

Return cooked chicken to the pot.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes glossy.
Simmer 2–3 minutes for flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips

Don’t overcook chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly; overcooking makes them dry.
Fresh garlic matters: Pre-minced garlic doesn’t provide the same aromatic punch.
Adjust spice: Start with half the red pepper flakes if you prefer milder heat.
Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Fresh tortellini works best: Frozen is fine, but fresh absorbs the sauce better.
Stir often: Prevents tortellini from sticking and keeps the sauce creamy.

Why This Recipe Works

One-pot convenience means less cleanup.
Creamy, garlicky, and slightly spicy for a satisfying bite every time.
Flexible ingredients allow easy substitutions or variations.
Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Substitutions & Variations

Protein: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
Pasta: Ravioli works well instead of tortellini.
Dairy: Use ghee, vegan butter, or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Herbs: Try thyme or oregano instead of basil/parsley.
Spice Level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes or add hot sauce for extra heat.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration: Cool to room temperature, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Serving Ideas

Garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
A chilled glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 600–650 kcal
Protein: 35–40 g
Fat: 35–40 g
Carbohydrates: 45–50 g
Fiber: 2–4 g
Sugar: 3–5 g
Sodium: 800–900 mg
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Note: Adjust ingredients to reduce calories or fat if desired.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just cook 1–2 minutes longer than fresh tortellini.

2. Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Refrigerate and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.

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3. Is it dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and cream, plus nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

4. What can replace chicken?
Shrimp, tofu, turkey, or plant-based protein work perfectly.

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5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, for up to 1 month in an airtight container.

6. How do I reheat without drying it out?
Warm over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

7. Can I adjust the spice?
Yes, reduce or increase crushed red pepper flakes as desired.

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is creamy, indulgent, and perfectly balanced with heat, flavor, and comfort. Quick, easy, and cooked in one pot, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or entertaining. Every bite is rich, buttery, and satisfying—making it a go-to recipe for busy nights or cozy weekends.