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- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breast - 1 package (9 oz) tortellini - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese - You can use turkey or tofu instead of chicken. - Look for gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn. - Use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. - Store chicken in the fridge for up to two days. - Keep fresh produce in a cool, dry place. - Use cherry tomatoes within one week for the best taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. 2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. 3. Once boiling, add the tortellini. 4. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes. 5. Check if they are al dente. They should be firm but tender. 6. Drain the tortellini and set them aside in a colander. 1. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. 3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet. 4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. 5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 6. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked. 1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. 2. Allow the butter to melt completely. 3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. 4. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring all the time. 5. This will help the garlic stay fragrant and not burn. 1. To the skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. 2. Stir and sauté for 2-3 minutes. 3. The spinach should wilt and the tomatoes should soften. 4. Return the cooked chicken and drained tortellini to the skillet. 5. Toss everything gently together. 6. Make sure the chicken and tortellini are well-coated. 1. Use tongs to plate generous servings of the dish. 2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. 3. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese on top. 4. Serve in shallow bowls or on plates for a nice look. 5. Pair with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. - To avoid overcooked tortellini, watch the clock. Cook them for 4-5 minutes. Test them by tasting. They should be al dente, not mushy. - Keep chicken tender by not overcooking it. Cook until golden brown, around 5-7 minutes. Use medium heat for even cooking. - To balance flavors with spices, start with less. You can always add more. Taste as you go. Adjust salt and red pepper flakes to your liking. - For serving, use shallow bowls or nice plates. This showcases the dish well. - Add fresh herbs like basil on top. They add color and aroma. A few extra leaves make it pop. - Pair with sides like crusty bread or a fresh salad. This makes the meal feel complete and satisfying. - Meal prep your ingredients. Dice chicken and chop garlic ahead of time. This saves you time during cooking. - Use a food processor for quick chopping. It makes prep faster and easier. - Try one-pan cooking techniques. You can cook everything in the same skillet. This saves time on washing dishes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, tomatoes, and spinach will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best aroma. Customize the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance. Adding a splash of hot sauce can also elevate the heat. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the tortellini. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, detracting from the dish’s texture. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. They add a burst of flavor and make the dish visually appealing. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Both options add unique flavors. Adding more vegetables boosts nutrition and color. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. They cook quickly and enhance the meal. Different tortellini fillings can change the taste. Cheese tortellini pairs well with garlic butter. Spinach tortellini adds more greens and flavor. To make it healthier, use less butter or substitute with olive oil. This change reduces saturated fat without losing flavor. For vegan and vegetarian options, replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Use vegan butter and skip cheese for a tasty meal. Gluten-free adaptations are easy. Look for gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish. Adding more herbs and spices can elevate the taste. Try oregano, thyme, or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick. Incorporating citrus flavors, like lemon juice or zest, brightens the dish. It adds a fresh and zesty twist. Adding cream or broth gives richness to the sauce. A splash of heavy cream or chicken broth makes it more luxurious. To keep your Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best. They keep your food safe and make it easy to see what you have. For short-term, refrigerate leftovers. They stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Your dish lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to cool it before freezing. When reheating tortellini, avoid mushiness. Use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam and warm the dish evenly. Stir gently to mix. If you prefer the microwave, use a safe dish. Add a few drops of water and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps your tortellini firm and tasty. To keep basil fresh, store it upright in a glass of water. Cover it loosely with a plastic bag. Change the water every few days to keep it lively. For cream sauces, store them in a sealed container in the fridge. Use them within a week for the best flavor. If you freeze them, try to use them within a month. Tortellini is a type of pasta. It is shaped like a small ring or a hat. Traditionally, it is filled with cheese or meat. You can find it fresh or dried at many stores. To make fresh tortellini, you roll out dough. Then, you cut it into small circles. Place filling in the center and fold it over. Pinch the edges to seal it. Cooking tortellini is easy. Boil it in salted water until it floats, usually 4-5 minutes. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the chicken and tortellini, but do not mix them with the sauce. Store the chicken, tortellini, and sauce separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat everything gently. This keeps the flavors fresh and the pasta from getting mushy. To adjust the spice level, play with the red pepper flakes. Use less if you prefer a milder dish. You can also skip them entirely if you want no heat. For more spice, add more flakes or use fresh chili peppers. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. This dish is great for meal prep! You can cook it all and store it in portions. Use airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Just be careful not to overcook the tortellini while reheating. This dish pairs well with several sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also serve garlic bread for dipping. Roasted vegetables make a healthy addition, too. For a cozy feel, try a warm bowl of soup. Enjoy mixing and matching your sides! This dish combines simple, tasty ingredients, making it a family favorite. You can tweak the recipe with substitutes, variations, and tips to suit your needs. Make it unique with different proteins or veggies. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Follow the steps for a delightful meal that’s easy to prep and cook. Enjoy the rich flavors that will impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini

A delicious and spicy dish featuring chicken and tortellini in a garlic butter sauce.
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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 boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 package (9 oz) tortellini (choose cheese or spinach-filled varieties)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Generally, this takes about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set them aside in a colander.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted. Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, keeping it warm.
  • Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn and achieves a fragrant aroma.
  • Combine Ingredients: To the skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened and juicy.
  • Mix Everything Together: Return the cooked chicken and the drained tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the chicken and tortellini are well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes, just to heat everything through and blend the flavors.
  • Serve: Use tongs to plate generous servings of the tortellini and chicken mixture. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color, and finish off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, garlic butter, spicy, tortellini