Description
This one-pot spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Tender chicken is seared in garlic butter, tossed with cheese-filled tortellini, and finished in a silky, slightly spicy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
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1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium), cut into bite-sized cubes
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce & pasta:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
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1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish:
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
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Extra Parmesan cheese
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Pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
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Season and Cook the Chicken
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Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
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Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Make the Garlic Butter Base
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In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Create the Sauce
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Sprinkle in flour, whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and more red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust seasoning.
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Cook the Tortellini
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Add tortellini directly into the sauce. Cover and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
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Combine and Finish
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Return chicken to skillet, stir well, and simmer 2–3 minutes. Add more broth if sauce is too thick.
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Serve
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Garnish with parsley, basil, or extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
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Notes
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Use fresh, refrigerated tortellini for the best texture.
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Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
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Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-grated.
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If reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: One-pot / Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: one-pot spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter tortellini