This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a wonderful mix of creamy, spicy, and garlicky goodness all cooked in a single pan. Tender pieces of chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a buttery sauce with a little kick come together to make a simple yet flavorful meal. The best part? You only need one pot, which means less mess and cleanup.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but still packed with taste. The spice level can be adjusted to fit everyone’s preference, so I usually add just enough heat to make it exciting without overwhelming the buttery garlic sauce. And the tortellini soaks up all those flavors perfectly, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
My favorite way to enjoy this meal is with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh green salad to balance out the rich sauce. It’s also great for busy weeknights because you can toss everything into the pot and walk away while it cooks. I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved dinner time and instantly put a smile on everyone’s face!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook fast and stay tender. You can swap with chicken thighs for juicier meat, or use pre-cooked chicken to speed things up.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is great here, offering creamy pockets of flavor. Fresh or frozen works well. If you want, use ravioli or even gnocchi for a different texture.
Butter & garlic: Butter creates a rich base, and fresh garlic adds strong flavor. Avoid garlic powder here—it doesn’t give the same punch.
Red chili flakes: These add the heat. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce or leave them out; swap for smoked paprika to keep depth without spice.
Heavy cream & Parmesan: These bring creaminess and cheesy flavor that clings to the pasta. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or use a smaller amount of Parmesan, but the sauce will be less rich.
How Do You Cook the Chicken and Tortellini Perfectly in One Pot?
Getting the chicken tender and the tortellini just right can be tricky when cooking everything together. Here’s how I do it:
- Brown the chicken first: Cook chicken pieces in butter until golden and done, then set aside. This locks in flavor and texture.
- Sauté garlic and chili flakes next: Stir for about 1 minute, so garlic softens without burning—burnt garlic tastes bitter.
- Add liquids and tortellini carefully: Pour in chicken broth and cream, then add tortellini. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Simmer uncovered: Let the sauce thicken while tortellini cooks, stirring every few minutes to keep things from sticking.
- Return chicken last: This warms the chicken through without overcooking it, keeping it tender.
Taking these steps will give you a creamy, spicy, and perfectly cooked one-pot meal every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or deep frying pan – I prefer a wide one to fit everything easily and get good browning on the chicken.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate salt, spice, and ingredient amounts, helping you keep things balanced.
- Chefs knife and cutting board – essential for dicing chicken and chopping parsley or green onions for garnish.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring gently without scratching your pan or breaking apart the tortellini.
- Measuring spoons – for precise chili flakes and spice adjustments ensuring perfect heat every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal – just stir it in at the end to heat through.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sliced olives for a tangy, Mediterranean twist.
- Mix in sautéed spinach or kale for some green and extra nutrients.
- Top with crumbled bacon or extra Parmesan for richer flavor and crunch.
One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 package (about 9 oz/250g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping and browning the chicken, then about 10-12 minutes simmering the tortellini with the sauce, and a couple of minutes to combine everything and garnish before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
Season the diced chicken with half the salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Spices:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same pot, add minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Cook Tortellini in Sauce:
Add the cheese tortellini, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the sauce thickens.
4. Combine Chicken and Cheese:
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika, if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through and mix the flavors well.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious, creamy, spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini all made in one pot!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing it in a bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Use Store-Bought Tortellini?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen cheese tortellini work well. If using frozen, add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
How Can I Reduce the Spice Level?
You can easily cut back or omit the red chili flakes for a milder dish. Alternatively, swap them with smoked paprika for flavor without heat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick.
