Name: One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups (480 g) fresh cheese tortellini (or ravioli); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp (60 g) butter, divided; 1 tsp (5 g) crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh basil or parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

We’ve all been there—staring into the fridge at 6 p.m., wondering how to pull together something hearty, comforting, and (please, oh please) quick. That’s where Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini swoops in to save the day.

This creamy, flavor-packed dish combines tender bites of chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious garlic butter sauce with just the right kick of red pepper flakes. Best of all? It’s a one-pot pasta wonder. Translation: minimal dishes, maximum flavor, and dinner on the table in 30 minutes flat.

Think of it as your weeknight dinner fairy godmother—the kind that shows up with Parmesan, cream, and a whole lot of comfort. If you’ve been craving a meal that feels indulgent but won’t keep you chained to the stove, this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Only one pot to wash (your dishwasher thanks you).
Comforting yet elegant enough to impress guests.
Layers of flavor from chicken, garlic, butter, and Parmesan.

A versatile weeknight dinner recipe you’ll keep on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups (480 g) fresh cheese tortellini (or ravioli)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp (60 g) butter, divided
1 tsp (5 g) crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp (15 g) fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Melt remaining butter in the same pot. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes.

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add tortellini and cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Return chicken to the pot. Stir in Parmesan until the sauce thickens slightly.

Finish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best One-Pot Pasta

Adjust the heat: Love spice? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer mild? Cut back and let the garlic butter shine.
Keep it creamy: Don’t let the sauce boil too aggressively, or the cream may separate. A gentle simmer is your friend.

Make it extra cheesy: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella at the end for stretchy, melty bliss.
Short on tortellini? Ravioli works beautifully as a swap in this creamy chicken tortellini recipe.

Pro tip: Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread to scoop up every last drop of that sauce. (Trust me, you’ll want to.)

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This dish was born on a night when I had exactly 30 minutes before soccer practice pickup. My kids had requested pasta (again), but plain spaghetti just wasn’t cutting it for me. I spotted a pack of fresh tortellini and some chicken in the fridge, and a little lightbulb went off.

I tossed everything into one pot with butter, garlic, cream, and a pinch of heat—and voilà, a new family favorite. The kids called it “fancy mac and cheese,” while my husband said it tasted like something from a restaurant. Little did they know it was a true weeknight dinner recipe—fast, easy, and made with pantry staples.

What to Serve with Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

This dish is rich and creamy, so I like to balance it with something light on the side. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect, or you could serve roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli.

If you’re feeding a crowd, warm garlic breadsticks or a loaf of crusty sourdough make it extra cozy. For date night, pair with a crisp glass of white wine (a Sauvignon Blanc works wonders) and call it a restaurant-quality meal at home.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but a splash of broth or cream when reheating will bring it back to life.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish—the creamy sauce and tortellini don’t hold up well after thawing. But since this meal comes together so quickly, it’s better to make fresh anyway. If you’re planning ahead, you can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge, then add it back in when you make the pasta.

FAQs About Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just skip the browning step and stir the shredded chicken in at the end.

Can I substitute the cream?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Do I have to use tortellini?

Nope! This one-pot pasta works with ravioli or even gnocchi.

What if I don’t eat chicken?

Swap it for shrimp, Italian sausage, or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.

A Cozy Ending

At the end of a long day, nothing beats sitting down to a warm bowl of Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini. It’s creamy, comforting, and just a little spicy—the kind of meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t keep you stuck in the kitchen.

So the next time you’re tired, hungry, and tempted to order takeout, remember this recipe. One pot, 30 minutes, and a dinner that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. That’s what I call real kitchen magic.

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