COWBOY BUTTER GARLIC CHICKEN TORTELLINI PERFECTION

The dance between smoky spice and rich, herbaceous butter is what elevates this Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini from simple pasta night to a flavor fiesta. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to kick off your boots, crank up some country tunes, and savor every single bite.

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy, garlicky explosion of flavor, where tender chicken and cheese-filled tortellini swim in a luscious cowboy butter sauce that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Ingredient Notes

Quality ingredients are the cornerstone of any great dish, and this Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini is no exception. Opting for fresh herbs, good quality butter, and flavorful chicken will make a world of difference in the final result. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s a key player in this flavor symphony!

• Cheese Tortellini: (Fresh or frozen, these little pockets of cheesy goodness are the perfect vehicle for the cowboy butter sauce.)
• Cooked Chicken Breast: (Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time and effort, making this a quick and easy meal.)
• Butter: (Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce.)
• Garlic: (Freshly minced garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.)
• Red Pepper Flakes: (Adds a touch of heat that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.)
• Smoked Paprika: (This is the key to that signature “cowboy” flavor, adding a smoky depth to the sauce.)
• Dried Thyme: (Provides an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the garlic and paprika.)
• Dried Oregano: (Adds a touch of Mediterranean flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the sauce.)
• Fresh Parsley: (Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.)
• Heavy Cream: (Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the tortellini and chicken perfectly.)
• Parmesan Cheese: (Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory element and helps to thicken the sauce.)
• Salt and Pepper: (To taste, essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.)

Swaps & Alternatives

• If you don’t have tortellini, try using another type of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or even gnocchi.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. Consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken the sauce.
• Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika will work in a pinch, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor. You could also add a dash of liquid smoke for a similar effect.
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream alternatives.

Level Up This Recipe

• Brown Butter: Brown the butter before adding the garlic and spices for a nutty, caramelized flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
• Add a splash of white wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic to add a layer of acidity and complexity to the sauce.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Fresh Herbs: Incorporate other fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a more complex and aromatic flavor profile.

The Complete Method

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This recipe is surprisingly simple, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini in no time!

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

2. Build the Base

Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This step is crucial for developing the signature cowboy butter flavor.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine and Simmer

Add the cooked chicken and tortellini to the sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy! If you’re looking for another creamy pasta dish, you might enjoy Creamy Garlic Pasta.

Serving Ideas

This Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For a heartier meal, you could add a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad. This dish is also fantastic with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken With Egg Noodles if you want to double down on the creamy garlic flavor. You could also try Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini for a different protein.

If you’re a fan of cowboy butter, why not try Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites as an appetizer before the main course? And for a truly indulgent experience, consider making Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese or Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese for another exciting twist on these flavors.

Toppings can also elevate this dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of ricotta cheese can add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this dish brings joy to your table.

Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini Perfection

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken and cheese tortellini are tossed in a luscious cowboy butter sauce with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
• Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Add the cooked chicken and tortellini to the sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
• Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the butter before adding the garlic. You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.