Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

by Chef Jordan

Published on:

This cozy skillet meal brings together cheesy tortellini, tender diced chicken, and a rich garlic butter sauce for weeknight comfort with a twist. With fire roasted red peppers folded in, every forkful pops with smoky sweetness and bright color. It comes together quickly, so it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something a little special without fuss. If you enjoy bold garlic butter flavors, you might also love this take on air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders for another fast family favorite: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.

Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This dish checks a lot of boxes at once creamy, colorful, and satisfying all in one skillet. The cowboy butter melts into a fragrant base that elevates the chicken and binds the sauce to every tortellini pocket. Fire roasted red peppers add a slight char and vibrant red hue so the plate looks as good as it tastes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests when paired with a crisp salad or crusty bread. If you love small bites of chicken in a garlicky sauce, try pairing this meal with a similar pasta idea like garlic butter chicken bites parmesan pasta for another elegant twist: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Parmesan Pasta.

Flavor and Texture

The tortellini provides tender, cheesy pockets that soak up the cream enriched cowboy butter sauce, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. Diced chicken adds a meaty chew that balances the silkiness of the cream. Minced garlic blooms in the hot butter releasing an aromatic base while fire roasted red peppers bring sweet smokiness and a slight bite. Salt and pepper sharpen the flavors, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end gives a bright herbal finish that lifts each spoonful.

Ingredients

  • 1 package of tortellini
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 1/2 cup cowboy butter
  • 1 cup fire-roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the cowboy butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and fire-roasted red peppers, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to combine, coating the pasta in the creamy sauce.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

Tips for Best Results

Use freshly diced chicken breast for the best texture and even cooking; cut pieces about the same size so they finish at the same time. If your cowboy butter is salted, taste before adding extra salt to avoid overseasoning the creamy sauce. For an extra silky sauce, reserve a splash of the pasta cooking water and add a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Warm the heavy cream slightly before adding to the skillet to help it incorporate more smoothly. Finish with lots of freshly chopped parsley to add a herbal brightness that contrasts the richness.

Storage and Make Ahead

This dish stores well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce and prevent drying out. You can cook the tortellini and chicken separately, then combine before serving to keep textures fresher for leftovers. For meal prep, portion into single serve containers and add parsley just before eating for the best presentation.

Final Thought

Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers is a simple yet impressive meal that blends comfort and bright flavors. It’s fast enough for busy nights and pretty enough for casual dinner guests. With a few pantry staples and minimal hands on time you can have a dish that feels indulgent without the work.

Conclusion

For the original inspiration and full recipe source see Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers on Michelle Bites: Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers.

FAQ

Can this be made in under 30 minutes?

Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.

Does it work for meal prep?

Most versions store well for one to three days.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.

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Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

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A cozy skillet meal combining cheesy tortellini, diced chicken, and a rich garlic butter sauce with fire-roasted red peppers.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package of tortellini
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 1/2 cup cowboy butter
  • 1 cup fire-roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the cowboy butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and fire-roasted red peppers, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to combine, coating the pasta in the creamy sauce.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use freshly diced chicken for the best texture. Reserve pasta water for sauce consistency and warm heavy cream before adding for smooth incorporation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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