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- 500g fresh chicken breast, diced - 250g cheese tortellini - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach leaves - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving When I prepare Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, I focus on fresh ingredients. The chicken breast is the star of the dish. I like to dice it into even pieces. This ensures even cooking and juicy bites. The cheese tortellini adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the sauce. Butter plays a key role in this meal. I use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. It melts and becomes bubbling hot, creating a perfect base for the other flavors. Garlic is a must-have for me. I use fresh cloves, minced finely. The aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to wait. Red pepper flakes add just the right kick. I sometimes adjust this based on my spice level. The halved cherry tomatoes add freshness and color, bursting with juiciness. Spinach is my go-to green. It wilts down nicely and adds nutrients. I sprinkle in some dried Italian herbs for depth. Finally, I season with salt and pepper. This dish needs just the right balance. For serving, I love to garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese on top gives a nice finish. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish delightful. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the tortellini, start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Place the pot on the stove over high heat. Wait until the water boils. This might take a few minutes. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. Check the package for exact times. They should be tender but firm, known as al dente. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set them aside. Next, grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add the unsalted butter. Wait until the butter melts and bubbles. This shows it’s hot enough. Now, add the diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Stir the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes. Cook until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside. Once the chicken is cooked, it's time for garlic. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. To avoid burning, keep the heat moderate and stir often. After that, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3 minutes. Stir them occasionally to let their juices flow. Now, it's time to bring everything together. Gently fold in the fresh spinach leaves. Then, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Mix everything well. You want the spinach to wilt and all flavors to blend. Finally, taste your dish. Adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. To keep chicken juicy, use fresh ingredients. Start with well-seasoned chicken. Sauté it over medium heat for a golden brown look. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay moist. To cook tortellini perfectly, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and stir gently. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, or until they're al dente. Drain them right away to prevent overcooking. For a beautiful plate, use shallow bowls. Arrange the tortellini with colorful spinach and bright tomatoes. Drizzle a bit of melted butter on top for a shiny finish. Add fresh basil leaves as a bright garnish. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives it a classy touch. To balance spice levels, start with less red pepper flakes. Taste as you cook, and add more if you want extra heat. You can also use smoked paprika for a different flavor. If you need a substitute for red pepper flakes, try cayenne pepper or chili powder. Both can bring heat without changing the dish too much. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the flavor and overall quality of your dish. Look for vibrant, firm tomatoes and bright green spinach for the best results. Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed to avoid overwhelming the dish. Don't Overcook Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Add it to the pan just before the other ingredients to ensure it remains fragrant and flavorful without becoming charred. Perfect Tortellini: To achieve perfectly cooked tortellini, avoid overcooking. They should be firm to the bite (al dente) and will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot ingredients in the skillet. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works well in this dish. Tofu is also a great choice for a meatless option. When you look for dairy-free options, use vegan butter. For cheese, try a dairy-free alternative or skip it altogether. To make a creamy version, add heavy cream or cream cheese. This will give your dish a rich taste. You can also toss in seasonal vegetables. Fresh zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can brighten up your meal and add crunch. Feel free to adjust the herbs to match your taste. Fresh basil or parsley can add a nice twist. You can also change the cheese. Try mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta for a new flavor. Each cheese brings a unique taste to your tortellini. To keep your Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Ensure the dish has cooled down before sealing. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. The meal lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying leftovers. When reheating this pasta dish, you have a few good options. You can use the microwave, which is quick and easy. Just place it in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. You can also reheat on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to avoid overcooking. This method helps keep the tortellini tender. If you want to freeze your Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini, let it cool completely first. Pack it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Remove all air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The dish can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of water if needed. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Frozen tortellini usually takes about 5-7 minutes to cook. Make sure to check the package for exact times. Once cooked, drain and set aside as you would with fresh tortellini. If you're vegetarian, you can try using tofu or chickpeas. Both options work well and give protein to the dish. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Just sauté them the same way you would with chicken. Yes, to make the dish less spicy, you can reduce the red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also skip the red pepper flakes altogether if you want no heat. Adding more butter can help mellow the spice too. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook everything and store it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a bit of water or broth to keep it moist. This dish combines fresh chicken, cheese tortellini, and vibrant flavors. I shared steps to cook everything perfectly, from the sautéd chicken to the bright spinach. You can adjust the spice and swap ingredients to suit your taste. As you make this dish, feel free to experiment with your choices. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, flavorful meal. With simple steps and endless variations, you can create a comforting dish that’s just right for any night.

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

A delicious and spicy dish featuring chicken and cheese tortellini in a garlic butter sauce, complemented by fresh spinach and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g fresh chicken breast, diced
  • 250 g cheese tortellini
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes, until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it is bubbly.
  • Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Sauté for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a golden brown color.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, continuing to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will soften the tomatoes and bring out their juices.
  • Gently fold in the fresh spinach leaves followed by the cooked tortellini. Mix everything together until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined.
  • Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Notes

For a beautiful serving, place the tortellini in shallow bowls, ensuring a colorful arrangement of spinach and tomatoes. Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top before garnishing to add sheen and richness!
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, spicy, tortellini