When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the rich and creamy goodness of Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and perfect tortellini, all enveloped in a velvety cream sauce. If you’re searching for a meal that is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor, you’ve found it!
Why We Love This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe
This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini isn’t just a regular pasta dish; it’s a remarkable combination of flavors and textures. The tender chicken pieces, paired with cheese-filled tortellini, create a satisfying meal that is perfect any time of the year. The rich garlic butter sauce adds a comforting warmth, making it a suitable dish for cozy evenings.
Each bite offers a delightful experience — the creaminess of the sauce, the kick of spice, and the savory chicken all work harmoniously together. Furthermore, this recipe is quite adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your preferences. You can add more veggies or adjust the spice level, ensuring it’s always a perfect fit for your palate.
Ingredients about Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Creating this sumptuous dish requires some straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand. Gather the following for a taste sensation:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini (or ravioli)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Putting these ingredients together will help create a deliciously spicy and creamy dish that will make your taste buds sing.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Directions
Making Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is straightforward, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning is essential for enhancing the flavors of your dish.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter if necessary. Throw in the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 30 seconds. This will infuse the butter with that wonderful garlic flavor. After this, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, which will provide a delightful kick.
- Create the Sauce: Next, pour in the chicken broth, carefully scraping the bits from the bottom of the pot. This scraping is essential as it adds depth to your sauce. Mix in the heavy cream and allow everything to come to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the fresh tortellini to the simmering sauce and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Combine and Finish: Once the tortellini are nearly done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese has melted into the sauce. Allow the entire concoction to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Serve Warm: You’ll want to dish this up quickly while it’s still warm! Serve in bowls garnished with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley, and consider pairing it with garlic bread for added deliciousness.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
When it comes to serving Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, presentation can elevate your dining experience. Ladle the creamy mixture into shallow bowls, allowing the vibrant colors to shine. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs to add a pop of green and freshness to the dish.
Consider offering some garlic bread on the side. Its crispy texture complements the creamy tortellini beautifully, enabling you to soak up every last bit of that delectable sauce. You may also serve this dish with a light salad, enhancing the meal with fresh crunch and additional flavor.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately, but don’t worry if you have leftovers. They make a fabulous meal or snack the next day too!
Expert Tips: Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
To ensure your Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh tortellini and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients significantly enhance the dish.
- Adjust Your Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can add more later if desired.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes near the end of the cooking process. They can add extra nutrition and freshness.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you find your sauce too thin, you can quickly thicken it by simmering it longer or adding a bit more Parmesan cheese, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your tortellini immediately after making it, as the flavors are at their peak.
How to Store Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
If you find yourself with leftovers — which is a delightful problem to have — storing your Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Variations of Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Protein Swaps: If chicken isn’t your favorite, you can easily replace it with shrimp or turkey. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also incorporate beans or lentils for extra protein.
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t hesitate to play around with different herbs and spices. Thyme, oregano, or even a dash of cumin can introduce interesting flavors to your dish.
- Cheese Variations: Instead of Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar for a different taste experience.
Now that you’ve gathered all the information to make your Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, let’s jump to a few frequently asked questions that might help you further solidify your cooking skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini is a great time-saver. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when preparing your meal.
How do I ensure my chicken stays tender?
Cooking the chicken just until it’s browned and then removing it from the pot before adding the broth helps keep it juicy. It will finish cooking in the sauce without drying out.
What can I serve with Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this dish, enhancing its flavors while adding balance to the meal.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce, add your tortellini, and chicken, and cook until warmed through.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh cheese tortellini (or ravioli)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- to taste salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pot.
- Add another tablespoon of butter to the pot, then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pot, then mix in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 4-6 minutes until tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!