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Smartphone photo of Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini in a black cast iron skillet with heavy parmesan dusting and fresh parsley.

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini: The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner

This Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini features golden-brown seared chicken and plump cheese tortellini tossed in a glossy, orange-hued garlic butter sauce. A 20-minute, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights and Pinterest-worthy dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini 567g
  • 1 lb chicken breast 450g, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter 56g
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 2-4g, adjust for heat
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 45g, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley 15g, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 15ml
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth 60ml, or pasta water

Equipment

  • 1 Black Cast Iron Skillet 12-inch preferred
  • 1 Large pot For boiling tortellini

Method
 

Primary Method
  1. Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken chunks and sear until golden-brown (about 5-6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, scraping up the brown bits. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant and orange-hued.
  4. Toss tortellini and chicken back into the skillet. Add broth/pasta water and stir until a glossy, velvety sauce forms. Top with heavy parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

Use refrigerated tortellini for the best texture.
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before searing to get that perfect golden crust.