If you’ve ever stared at a pile of dirty dishes after dinner and sighed like you’ve just run a marathon, then one pot pasta recipes might just save your sanity. This spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini is not only packed with bold flavor but also keeps cleanup easy. One Pot Chicken Recipes don’t get more comforting than this. The chicken soaks up that garlicky, buttery sauce, the tortellini turn perfectly tender, and the whole dish feels like a hug in a bowl. We’re talking about the kind of meal that’s rich, cozy, and still easy enough to toss together on a Tuesday night. Yes, I’ve been there—hungry, tired, and questioning my life choices—only to be rescued by a recipe like this. If you’re a fan of One Pot Recipes or if you’re still daydreaming about the last One Pot Chicken Pot Pie or One Pot Chicken Dinner you had, this is the dish that bridges all those comfort food cravings with weeknight practicality. So grab your pan, your tortellini, and a little appetite for spice—you’re about to make something that might just become a new favorite.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
4) How to Make One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
5) Tips for Making One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
6) Making One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This one pot pasta recipe is quick, bold, and deeply satisfying.
It balances juicy chicken, tender tortellini, and a rich garlic butter sauce.
Cleanup stays easy since everything cooks in a single skillet.
You can adapt spice levels and creaminess to your own taste.

2) Easy One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Let’s be honest, one pot pasta recipes are the kind of lifesaver that makes us feel like we’ve got dinner figured out, even when life is messy. This spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini comes together without fuss, yet feels like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did. I’ve leaned on recipes like this when I’m worn out and still want something comforting without creating a mountain of dishes.

The tortellini simmer directly in a garlicky butter sauce, so they soak up every bit of flavor. The chicken brings richness, and when everything’s stirred with parmesan at the end, the dish lands somewhere between indulgent and practical. It’s warm, it’s filling, and it fits perfectly on a weeknight or even as a cozy weekend dinner. Recipes like this remind me why I love keeping things simple in the kitchen.

If you’ve made One Pot Chicken Recipes before, you already know the joy of fewer pans to wash. This version leans into that joy while also giving you a hearty One Pot Chicken Dinner that makes everyone happy at the table.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Chicken Breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces, it’s the protein that anchors the meal. I like chicken breast because it cooks quickly and stays tender when simmered in the sauce.

Butter: The base of the sauce, rich and smooth, tying garlic and spice together in a silky coat over the pasta and chicken.

Garlic: Four cloves, minced. It’s strong, aromatic, and the first thing you’ll smell in the pan. That smell always tells me dinner’s heading in the right direction.

Red Pepper Flakes: A teaspoon of heat that wakes up the whole dish. Add more if you like things fiery, or just a pinch if you want a gentle kick.

Paprika: Adds depth and a touch of smokiness. It balances the spice with warmth.

Salt and Black Pepper: The everyday duo that brings all flavors into focus.

Chicken Broth: A cup of savory liquid that helps the tortellini cook evenly and adds body to the sauce.

Heavy Cream: This is where the sauce turns lush. It softens the spice and creates that clingy texture we want on the pasta.

Cheese Tortellini: The star starch here. Stuffed pasta that cooks directly in the skillet, soaking up broth and cream along the way.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated and folded in at the end for sharpness and richness. I always keep a block in the fridge because fresh grating changes everything.

Parsley: Fresh and chopped, sprinkled on top for brightness. It’s the little green finish that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

4) How to Make One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Step 1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in the butter and let it melt until it shimmers. Toss in the minced garlic with the red pepper flakes, stirring just long enough to release their aroma.

Step 2. Add the diced chicken. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the pieces turn golden on the outside, keeping them moving so they don’t stick.

Step 3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir so the flavors blend. Bring everything to a gentle simmer that bubbles around the edges.

Step 4. Slide in the tortellini. Let them cook in that bubbling liquid for six to eight minutes, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly and don’t clump together.

Step 5. Sprinkle in parmesan. Stir again, watching the sauce thicken as the cheese melts. The pasta should now be tender and coated in a rich, creamy sauce.

Step 6. Take the skillet off the heat. Scatter parsley over the top. Serve hot, straight from the pan to your plates.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

One tip I’ve learned from cooking one pot recipes often is to keep your heat steady. If you rush with high heat, the cream can separate, and the sauce won’t feel right. Medium heat gives you control and a silky finish.

Another tip is to taste as you go. The broth, cream, and parmesan can shift the salt balance quickly. I’ve made the mistake of salting early only to realize later the cheese brought enough salt on its own.

And don’t shy away from adjusting spice levels. Red pepper flakes are flexible. If you’re cooking for kids, pull back. If it’s just adults who like a kick, sprinkle in more. This is the beauty of recipes like this—they bend to your kitchen and your people.

6) Making One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini Ahead of Time

Sometimes I like to get a jump on dinner. If I know the evening will be busy, I’ll cook the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate it. When it’s time to finish the dish, I add the broth, cream, and tortellini, then fold the chicken back in. It saves me ten minutes when every minute feels tight.

The sauce thickens as it sits. So if you make the dish ahead of time, save a little broth or cream to loosen it when reheating. The pasta will soak up more sauce while resting, and this trick keeps the texture balanced.

I’d also suggest waiting to add parsley until right before serving. It looks fresher and keeps that bright flavor punch that lifts the whole meal.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

Leftovers are gold, and this recipe gives you plenty. I usually tuck mine into an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll keep well for three days, which makes them handy for lunches.

When reheating, I splash in a little broth or even water to bring the sauce back to life. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through so the pasta warms evenly.

If you want the best flavor, top the reheated pasta with a little extra parmesan and parsley. It refreshes the dish and keeps it tasting almost as good as the first time around.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini