One-Pan Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Have You Ever Wondered if a Restaurant-Quality Dinner Could Actually Be Faster Than Ordering Delivery?

Imagine sitting down to a meal that looks like it came from a fancy Italian bistro, but you made it in one single pan in under thirty minutes. Most people think that making a delicious pasta dish with perfectly seared chicken and a velvety sauce requires hours of work and a sink full of dirty dishes. Today, we are going to prove that theory wrong. Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight hero: One-Pan Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini.

Overview of the Recipe

Print

This Chicken Tortellini dish is special because it balances bold flavors with incredible convenience. We combine juicy, golden-brown chicken with tender, cheese-filled pasta and a sauce that is both creamy and spicy.

• Difficulty Level: Very Easy. If you can boil water and sauté chicken, you can make this.
• Time Requirement: About 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Best Part: Since it is a one-pan meal, cleanup takes almost no time at all.

Essential Ingredients

To make the best Chicken Tortellini, you will need a few pantry staples and some fresh items. Here is what to gather:

• Chicken Breast: One pound, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs for more moisture.
• Cheese Tortellini: One 16-ounce package. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best for speed, but frozen works too.
• Butter: Three tablespoons. This creates the base of our rich sauce.
• Garlic: Four to five cloves, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
• Heavy Cream: One cup. This makes the sauce silky.
• Chicken Broth: One cup. This helps cook the pasta right in the pan.
• Red Pepper Flakes: One teaspoon (or more if you like it very spicy).
• Spinach: Two cups of fresh baby spinach. It adds color and nutrients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup, freshly grated.
• Spices: Salt, black pepper, and paprika for the chicken.

Substitutions and Variations: If you do not have chicken, shrimp or sliced Italian sausage are great alternatives. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. If you are gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortellini now available in many specialty stores.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Chicken Tortellini in one pan requires a specific order to ensure the chicken is crispy and the pasta is tender.

1. Season and Sear the Chicken Start by patting your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This is a pro tip for getting a good sear. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook without moving it for three minutes to get that beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook for another two to three minutes until done. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

2. Create the Flavor Base Turn the heat down to medium. Add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir these for about one minute. You will know it is ready when your kitchen starts to smell amazing. Be careful not to let the garlic turn brown or bitter.

3. Simmer the Liquid Pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan. This is called “deglazing,” and it picks up all the flavorful brown bits left behind by the chicken.

4. Cook the Tortellini Add the tortellini directly into the liquid in the skillet. Stir it so the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the pan with a lid. This traps the steam and cooks the pasta perfectly in about five to seven minutes.

5. The Final Toss Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid. The sauce should be bubbling. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the sauce. This should only take about one minute.

Assembly and Presentation

Now that the components are ready, it is time to bring the Chicken Tortellini together.

• Combining: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently so the chicken is coated in that spicy garlic butter sauce.
• Consistency Check: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth. If it is too thin, let it simmer for another minute without the lid.
• Plating: Spoon a generous portion into a shallow bowl. Make sure every serving gets plenty of chicken and pasta.
• The Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A final dusting of Parmesan cheese makes it look like it came from a professional kitchen.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Chicken Tortellini is a great candidate for meal prep, but there are a few things to keep in mind to keep it tasting fresh.

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Reheating: Pasta tends to soak up sauce as it sits. When you reheat this dish, add a tablespoon of water or milk before putting it in the microwave or on the stovetop. This will bring the creamy texture back to life.
• Freezing: This dish does not freeze perfectly because the cream sauce can separate when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Creative Recipe Variations

You can use this Chicken Tortellini recipe as a canvas for your favorite flavors:

• The Veggie Loaded Version: Add sliced mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes when you are cooking the garlic.
• The Pesto Twist: Stir in two tablespoons of basil pesto at the very end for an earthy, herbal flavor.
• The Extra Crunchy Version: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top before serving for a nice texture contrast.
• The Lemon-Pepper Version: Omit the red pepper flakes and add lemon zest and extra cracked black pepper for a bright, citrusy meal.

Conclusion

Making a high-quality meal doesn’t have to be a chore. This One-Pan Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini proves that with a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you can create something truly special. It is fast enough for a busy Monday but delicious enough for a Saturday night date. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices or add your favorite vegetables. Cooking should be fun, and the best part is always the first bite. Give this a try tonight and enjoy the smiles around the dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can. If using frozen tortellini, you may need to add an extra two to three minutes to the simmering time. Just check the pasta for tenderness before adding the chicken back in.

Is this dish healthy?

This recipe provides a good balance of protein from the chicken and vitamins from the spinach. To make it even healthier, you can use whole-wheat tortellini and swap the heavy cream for a light coconut milk or a low-fat cream substitute.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Simply leave out the red pepper flakes. The garlic butter and Parmesan will still provide plenty of savory flavor without the heat.

Do I need to boil the tortellini in a separate pot first?

No. That is the magic of this one-pan method. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce and broth, which actually makes the pasta taste better because it absorbs the flavors of the garlic and butter.

What should I serve on the side?

Since this is a hearty meal, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli pairs perfectly.