Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Half-and-half works, though the sauce will be a little lighter. For dairy-free, try coconut cream (it changes the flavor slightly but still tastes amazing).

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but add the tortellini just before serving for the best texture.

One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Description

This One-Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—all made in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken, tender tortellini, and a velvety garlic butter cream sauce with a spicy kick come together for the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3–4 tbsp butter, divided
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
9–12 oz fresh tortellini
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Base: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add red pepper flakes.
Build the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up brown bits. Stir in heavy cream until smooth.
Cook the Tortellini: Add tortellini directly to the sauce. Simmer 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Bring It All Together: Return chicken to the pot. Stir in Parmesan until melted and glossy.
Garnish & Serve: Turn off heat, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve hot with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes.

Notes

For less spice, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.
Use chicken thighs for juiciness, or chicken breast for a leaner option.
Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating leftovers to bring the sauce back to life.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner , lunch
Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 560 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg