Creamy Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini Recipe
This Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish balances creamy textures with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
Pasta
- 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini
Aromatics & Seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Dairy & Liquids
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them in the hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Cook Tortellini in Sauce: Add the fresh cheese tortellini to the skillet. Let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Chicken and Herbs: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tortellini and sauce. Simmer everything together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh cheese tortellini for best texture and flavor; frozen can be used but may alter cooking time.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes quantity to control spiciness.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before removing from the pan to avoid undercooked poultry.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, but expect a less rich sauce.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
