Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini Perfection
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.
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.