Description

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is creamy, comforting, and packed with bold flavor. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich garlic butter cream sauce come together in one pan for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 cup chicken broth (or more, depending on desired sauce consistency)

1 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh or frozen cheese tortellini

3 tbsp unsalted butter

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika and toast for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the tortellini. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce begins to thicken.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Swap chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and texture.

For a lighter version, replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half.

Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 720 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 165 mg