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Close-up smartphone photo of spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini in a dark grey bowl. (Chicken Tortellini Recipe)

Chicken Tortellini Recipe with Spicy Garlic Butter and Seared Chicken

This Chicken Tortellini Recipe features plump cheese tortellini and golden-brown seared chicken in a thick, glossy garlic butter sauce. Topped with melted parmesan and red pepper flakes for a spicy, restaurant-quality finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American-Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini 567g
  • 1 lb chicken breast 450g, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 115g
  • 6 cloves garlic 30g, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 30ml
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 45g, finely grated
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 2g
  • 1 tsp dried herb flakes 1g, parsley or oregano

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed Skillet Cast iron or stainless steel preferred for searing.
  • 1 Microplane For finely grating the parmesan cheese.

Method
 

Preparation and Searing
  1. Pat chicken cubes dry and season with salt/pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until distinct golden-brown pan-sear marks appear. Remove and set aside.
  2. Boil cheese tortellini in salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup (60ml) of starchy pasta water before draining.
  3. Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 60 seconds. Whisk in the reserved pasta water to emulsify into a thick, glossy golden-yellow sauce.
  4. Toss tortellini and chicken in the sauce until glistening. Transfer to a bowl and top with finely grated parmesan, dried herbs, and extra red pepper flakes.

Notes

Always use starchy pasta water to emulsify the butter into a thick sauce.
Pat the chicken completely dry before searing to ensure golden-brown marks.