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- 2 cups chicken breast, diced - 1 package (9 oz) tortellini (cheese or spinach-filled) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving For chicken, you can use thighs instead of breasts. They add more flavor. If you want a lighter dish, swap the butter for olive oil. You can also use low-fat cheese tortellini for fewer calories. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice level. If you like it mild, use less. For a punch of flavor, add more garlic. I always prefer fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh chicken gives more juiciness. Fresh spinach wilts nicely and adds a vibrant color. Use fresh garlic for a stronger aroma. However, if you are short on time, pre-packaged tortellini works well. Just check the label for quality. Pre-packaged cherry tomatoes are convenient but fresh ones are sweeter. Choose according to your time and taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cook the tortellini. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 3-5 minutes. You want the tortellini to be al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked through. Once it's ready, drain the tortellini and set it aside. This step makes sure your dish has a great texture. Next, we move on to the chicken. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked all the way through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This will add a nice flavor to your dish. Now, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter quickly. This sauce will give your dish its spicy and buttery flavor. It's time to combine everything. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts. After that, return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything together until it’s well coated with the garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. This step brings all the flavors together. Now, it’s time to serve your delicious dish. Plate the tortellini and chicken mixture. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice touch and makes it look great! Enjoy your Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. To cook the chicken just right, use fresh chicken breast. Dice it into small pieces for even cooking. Season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. This adds flavor! Cook the chicken in a hot skillet with butter. You want it golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. If you need to, cut a piece open to check it's done. It should no longer be pink inside. Love heat? You can add more red pepper flakes! Start with one teaspoon and taste. If it’s not spicy enough, add a bit more. For less heat, reduce the flakes to half a teaspoon. You could also skip them entirely if you prefer a milder dish. Always taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. When cooking tortellini, use a large pot of salted boiling water. It helps the pasta cook evenly. Follow the package instructions for timing. Usually, it takes around 3-5 minutes to be al dente. After cooking, drain the tortellini right away. Don’t rinse it, as you want to keep the starch. This helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and spinach can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Always opt for fresh produce when possible. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, for more heat, feel free to add extra. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: To maintain the perfect texture, ensure that your tortellini is cooked al dente before mixing it with the sauce. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of flavor to the final dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Both options add great texture. Use the same spices to keep the flavor strong. For a hearty twist, add more spinach and some bell peppers. They will bring in a nice crunch. To make this dish dairy-free, use plant-based butter and skip the cheese. Coconut cream is a great option for a creamy sauce. This keeps the dish rich and tasty without dairy. You can still add garlic and spices for flavor. Adding more veggies makes this dish colorful and healthy. Consider zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus. These veggies cook quickly and blend well with the sauce. Just toss them in with the cherry tomatoes and spinach. You can easily customize your plate with your favorite vegetables. After you enjoy your spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. This helps keep the flavor and texture nice. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stove. If using the microwave, place the tortellini in a bowl, cover it, and heat for about two minutes. Stir halfway through. For the stove, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until heated evenly. If you want to save some tortellini for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Frozen tortellini is quick and easy. It saves time, and you get great flavor. The cooking time may be a bit longer than fresh. Make sure to taste it to check for doneness. You can prep this dish ahead for easy meals. Cook the tortellini and chicken earlier in the day. Store them separately in the fridge. You can also make the garlic butter sauce in advance. When ready to eat, just heat everything together. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious. If you want a different protein, try using shrimp or turkey. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Each protein cooks differently. Shrimp cooks fast, while turkey may take longer. Each choice adds unique flavor to the dish. This blog post covered key ingredients and step-by-step cooking methods for a tasty dish. We explored ingredient lists, cooking tips, and variations like vegetarian options. Storing and reheating leftovers are also key to enjoying your meal later. In summary, experimenting with this recipe will boost your cooking skills. Don't hesitate to try new flavors and make it your own. Culinary creativity can lead to tasty surprises!

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

A delicious and spicy dish featuring chicken and tortellini in a garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chicken breast, diced
  • 1 package tortellini (9 oz, cheese or spinach-filled)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
  • Plate the tortellini and chicken mixture, garnish with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, spicy, tortellini