Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight meal that feels incredibly special. I remember the first time I made this dish for friends; the aroma of garlic and spices filled my kitchen, and everyone was practically at the table before I even finished plating. It’s that magical combination of tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked tortellini swimming in a rich, creamy sauce with just the right kick of heat. If you’re looking for an easy spicy garlic chicken tortellini that will impress without the fuss, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
- The taste is absolutely incredible – a perfect balance of spicy, garlicky, and creamy goodness that makes this garlic chicken tortellini pasta a winner.
- It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an ideal easy spicy garlic chicken tortellini for busy weeknights.
- You get tender, flavorful chicken and cheesy tortellini in every bite, creating a truly satisfying meal.
- The creamy Alfredo sauce is rich and decadent, but surprisingly not too heavy, complementing the spicy chicken perfectly.
- This dish is budget-friendly, using common ingredients to create a gourmet-tasting experience.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone from kids to adults will devour, making it a fantastic family-friendly meal.
- Enjoy the comforting texture of the tortellini paired with the savory chicken and the robust flavors of this garlic chicken tortellini pasta.
Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
Gathering these Spicy garlic chicken tortellini ingredients is the first step to a truly amazing dinner. The star is, of course, the chicken, seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, and cayenne for that signature heat. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts makes prep a breeze. Don’t forget the cheese tortellini – any kind works, but cheese-filled is my favorite for this dish. For the creamy sauce, we’ll use heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor. Minced garlic is crucial for both the chicken and the sauce; it really boosts that bold garlicky taste that makes this dish sing.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken)
- 1 tbsp butter (for searing chicken)
- 20 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for sauce, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
Let’s dive into how to make this incredible spicy garlic chicken tortellini. It’s simpler than you think, and the results are restaurant-worthy!
- Step 1: First, grab a bowl and toss your sliced chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp chili flakes, 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Let this delicious mixture marinate for about 15–20 minutes at room temperature. This step really infuses the chicken with flavor.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, melt 1 tbsp butter. Sear your marinated chicken in batches for about 4–5 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. During the last minute of cooking, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir until fragrant. This adds an amazing layer of garlicky aroma. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Step 3: While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your 20 oz cheese tortellini according to the package directions, which is usually just 3–4 minutes. Before draining, make sure to reserve about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for perfecting our sauce! Drain the tortellini.
- Step 4: Now, let’s make the magic sauce! In the same saucepan you used for the tortellini (or a clean one), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add another 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can really smell it. Pour in the 1.5 cups heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Stir in the 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and season with salt, black pepper, and 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to your liking. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens beautifully. If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water will help loosen it up to the perfect consistency for coating everything. This step ensures a rich chicken tortellini with spicy garlic sauce.
- Step 6: Add the drained tortellini back into the saucepan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece. Let it all simmer together for another minute so the tortellini can absorb some of that delicious flavor.
- Step 7: To serve this easy spicy garlic chicken tortellini, plate the saucy tortellini first. Then, arrange the cooked spicy garlic chicken over the top.
- Step 8: Finally, garnish your masterpiece with the 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it extra spicy. Enjoy your homemade spicy garlic chicken tortellini!
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
To elevate your spicy garlic chicken tortellini experience, try these simple tricks. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded makes a world of difference in the creaminess of your sauce. Don’t be afraid to really season the chicken well; the spices are key to that amazing flavor profile. And always, always reserve some pasta water – it’s your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. For more tips on mastering creamy sauces, check out this guide on creamy Tuscan scallops.
- Freshly grate your Parmesan for the smoothest, richest Alfredo sauce.
- Don’t skip marinating the chicken; it ensures every piece is packed with flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness easily.
- Sear chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring a good sear.
What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini?
The secret to a perfect spicy garlic tortellini with chicken lies in building layers of flavor. Marinating the chicken with spices and searing it properly, along with using fresh garlic in both the chicken and the sauce, creates that signature punch. The creamy sauce, balanced with a touch of spice, ties it all together beautifully. For a similar flavor profile with a different protein, consider trying smoky paprika chicken alfredo.
Can I make Creamy Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the tortellini fresh and then combine everything just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Chicken Tortellini Pasta?
A common pitfall is overcooking the tortellini, making it mushy. Cook it just until al dente. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken; this steams it instead of searing, leading to less flavor and a pale appearance. Ensure your sauce isn’t too thick or too thin by using reserved pasta water judiciously. Learning about proper searing techniques can be helpful for many recipes, including crispy parmesan chicken bites.
Best Ways to Serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
This rich and flavorful dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out your meal. For a truly delightful experience, consider serving this spicy chicken tortellini alfredo with a crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You could also add some crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce – it’s always a hit! Another great option is steamed or roasted asparagus or broccoli for a touch of freshness and color. If you enjoy pasta dishes, you might also like our shrimp alfredo recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini is a hearty and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, so you know what you’re enjoying.
- Calories: 735 kcal
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Protein: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy meal ideas, explore our dinner recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
Enjoying leftovers of this delicious spicy garlic chicken tortellini is easy, but proper storage is key to maintaining its amazing flavor and texture. Once the dish has cooled down slightly, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this fantastic spicy chicken tortellini dinner recipe on hand for longer, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to enjoy this garlic chicken tortellini pasta is gently. For refrigerated portions, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. A splash of milk or chicken broth can help revive the creaminess of the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the stovetop or microwave method. If you’re interested in other comforting pasta dishes, consider our cowboy butter chicken linguine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini
What is spicy garlic chicken tortellini?
Spicy garlic chicken tortellini is a comforting pasta dish featuring cheese-filled tortellini and tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and a hint of spice. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines classic Italian-American elements with a zesty kick.
Can I use a different type of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is classic, feel free to use spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled tortellini. The key is that the tortellini holds up well to the creamy sauce. Just ensure you cook it according to its package directions.
How do I make the spice level milder or spicier?
To make this spicy tortellini recipe chicken and garlic milder, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili flakes. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or even a pinch of cayenne to the chicken marinade. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. For a different kind of heat, try these buffalo garlic chicken bites.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas can be added to the sauce along with the tortellini. Just ensure they are cooked through or add them earlier in the sauce-making process.
Variations of Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini You Can Try
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini recipe is fantastic as-is, but it’s also super versatile! If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different tastes, here are a few ideas. For a truly decadent experience, try turning it into a Cheesy garlic chicken tortellini bake by layering the sauced tortellini and chicken in a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly. Craving a lighter version? Swap the heavy cream for evaporated milk or a blend of milk and cornstarch for a slightly less rich sauce, or even try a dairy-free option with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
You can also customize the spice level to your preference, making it as mild or fiery as you like. For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. And if you’re aiming for the ultimate Homemade spicy garlic chicken tortellini, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano in the sauce, or even add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic for an extra layer of complexity. These variations ensure you can enjoy this dish in countless delicious ways! If you enjoy baking, you might like our lemon zucchini bread.
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Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini: 1 Amazing Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, spicy, and loaded with bold flavor — this Spicy Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Alfredo Cream is your new favorite easy dinner recipe. With juicy garlic-rubbed chicken, cheese-stuffed tortellini, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, it’s a perfect mix of comfort food and gourmet flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 20 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high, melt 1 tbsp butter, and sear chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking. Set chicken aside.
- In a large pot, boil water with salt. Cook tortellini according to package (usually 3–4 minutes), drain, and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds). Add heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened, stirring often. Use pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Add tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Let it simmer for another minute.
- Plate creamy tortellini and top with spicy garlic chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, richer Alfredo sauce.
- Don’t skip the garlic in the chicken and sauce — it’s key to that bold flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water; it can help adjust the sauce consistency easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 735 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 165mg