I remember once trying to impress a date by attempting a complicated Italian dish, only to realize halfway through that I was missing a key ingredient, which led to a hilarious, albeit slightly disastrous, scramble to salvage the meal; that’s why I’m so excited to share this much simpler, but equally impressive, recipe for Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready, because you’re about to create a restaurant-worthy dish that will absolutely wow everyone at the table, and you’ll actually enjoy the process!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Let’s be real, sometimes we crave comfort food that’s also a little exciting, right? That’s exactly what this Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini delivers. We’re talking tender chicken, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, and a knockout garlic butter sauce with a fiery kick – all in one pan! It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and a good movie.
But beyond the sheer deliciousness, there are so many reasons to adore this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Forget spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less dishes? Yes, please! Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable Spice Level: You control the heat! Add as much or as little red pepper flakes as you like to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves pasta, chicken, and garlic butter! This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
- Impressive Yet Simple: This meal tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, but the truth is, it’s incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples.
- Chicken: About 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Tortellini: 1 (20-ounce) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini. I highly recommend using a Fresh Cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, because everything is better with butter.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup of chicken broth, to create the luscious sauce.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup of heavy cream, for extra richness and creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ – ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, depending on your spice preference.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, for that classic Italian flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional, but recommended!).
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Okay, friend, let’s get down to business. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First, dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a little bit of Italian seasoning. This is crucial for building flavor right from the start. Get a skillet nice and hot, add the olive oil and sear the chicken. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this point, just get a nice sear on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to your sauce. Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This Garlic Butter Sauce is truly the star.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini and the seared chicken back to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the tortellini in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of tortellini you use, so check the package instructions for guidance.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is best enjoyed hot, so don’t let it sit around for too long! You did it! Now, dig in and savor every delicious bite.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Want to take your Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will taste. Splurge on good-quality cheese tortellini and fresh Parmesan cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Be sure to sear it properly, it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some veggies to the dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have one, a cast iron skillet is perfect for this recipe. It heats evenly and retains heat well, ensuring that the chicken and tortellini cook properly.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat the sauce and add the tortellini and chicken.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Use Different Protein: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, sausage, or even tofu.
- Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have tortellini on hand, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. For another great chicken pasta recipe, consider making Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a chewy texture to the dish.
- Use a Different Cheese: Instead of Parmesan cheese, try using Romano cheese, Asiago cheese, or even mozzarella cheese.
- Make it Creamier: For an even creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini to make this dish gluten-free.
- Try a Different Herb: Swap out the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
What to Serve with Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few side dish suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy dose of nutrients to the meal.
- Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a light and flavorful option.
- Caesar Salad: You can never go wrong with a classic Caesar Salad.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, because it’s so good!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storing: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, here are a few other chicken recipes you might like:
- Butter Chicken: A creamy and flavorful Indian dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: Another creamy and garlicky pasta dish that’s sure to please.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Heaven: Sweet and savory chicken that’s perfect over rice or noodles.
- Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta: A delicious and easy pasta dish with a sweet and spicy kick.
- Spicy Chicken Rigatoni: A fiery pasta dish that’s perfect for spice lovers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is relatively simple, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns easily, so be sure to keep a close eye on it while it’s sautéing. If it starts to turn brown too quickly, reduce the heat or add a splash of chicken broth to the pan.
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Overcooked tortellini can be mushy and unpleasant. Be sure to cook it according to the package directions, and don’t overcook it.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Seasoning is key to building flavor in this dish. Be sure to season the chicken and the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Letting the Sauce Dry Out: If the sauce starts to dry out while the tortellini is cooking, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini: A Flavor Explosion!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini that’s guaranteed to impress! With its tender chicken, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, and fiery garlic butter sauce, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. You’ve got this!
How can I adjust the spice level of the Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini?
You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes you add. Use less for a milder flavor or more for a spicier kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have tortellini?
Yes, if you don’t have tortellini, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle.
How should I store and reheat leftover Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed. You can also microwave it, but the texture may not be as good.
What are some vegetables I could add to this recipe?
You can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until lightly browned on the outside, but not fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat slightly and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add cheese tortellini and seared chicken back to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the tortellini in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of tortellini, so check package instructions.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
