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Close-up of seared chicken and plump tortellini in a glossy orange-tinted garlic butter sauce. (Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini)

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini with Shaved Parmesan

A 25-minute meal featuring plump cheese tortellini and seared chicken tossed in a glossy, spicy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need bold flavor and restaurant-quality results fast.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American-Italian
Calories: 545
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 lb (454g) Cheese Tortellini Refrigerated or frozen
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Chicken Breast Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted Butter
  • 6 cloves Garlic Minced finely
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to heat preference
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Fresh Parsley Finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (50g) Shaved Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil For searing chicken

Equipment

  • 1 Large Rustic Skillet Preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel.
  • 1 Large pot For boiling the tortellini.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook tortellini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken pieces until golden-brown and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until the butter turns a translucent orange color.
  4. Toss the tortellini and chicken into the skillet with a splash of pasta water. Stir vigorously until the sauce is glossy and coats everything evenly.
  5. Top with freshly chopped parsley and shaved parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor profile.
The reserved pasta water is essential for creating a glossy emulsion that sticks to the tortellini.