Go Back
+ servings
Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini

Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini: Creamy Comfort Awaits

Enjoy the bliss of creamy Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with rich garlic butter sauce and tender pasta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Substitute with shrimp or steak if desired.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Use butter for a richer flavor.
  • Salt and black pepper Adjust according to your taste.
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika Regular paprika works too.
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder Feel free to swap with fresh minced garlic.
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter Opt for unsalted for better salt control.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds richness.
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to suit your spice level.
  • ½ lemon Juice of Add lemon zest for extra zing.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Substitute with whole grain mustard if preferred.
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder Can skip if not available.
  • ½ tsp dried thyme Fresh thyme works well too.
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 package cheese tortellini Fresh tortellini is preferred.
  • ¾ cup heavy cream Half-and-half is a lighter alternative.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • ½ cup chopped fire-roasted red peppers Fresh bell peppers can be used if preferred.
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cup
  • serving platter

Method
 

How to Make Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini
  1. Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually around 3-5 minutes. Drain and reserve a little pasta water for later use.
  2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter while scraping up the tasty browned bits left from the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, then mix in the crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, additional spices, and a pinch of salt. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend all the flavors.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and add the chopped fire-roasted red peppers. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the tortellini. Toss everything together to coat the tortellini and chicken in the creamy sauce. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Plate your delicious Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini and finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness. A light squeeze of lemon juice over the top can add an extra layer of brightness just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 23gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For an extra kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!