Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini. This dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy tortellini, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce that just sings with flavor! I remember the first time I made it – the aroma of garlic sizzling in that cowboy butter filled my kitchen, and I knew I was onto something special. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something comforting yet impressive. Plus, it all comes together in just about 25 minutes! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face after a long day!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked tortellini
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 4 tbsp cowboy butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful dish! It’s all about keeping things flowing smoothly, so just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal before you know it!
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 3 to 5 minutes. You want them nice and tender, so keep an eye on them! Once they’re cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Cowboy Butter
Next, grab a skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of that glorious cowboy butter over medium heat. Just let it melt slowly and watch it shimmer! Trust me, the aroma is going to make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Once the butter is melted and sizzling, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Toss it in and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—it should be golden and aromatic, not brown and bitter!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Now, add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You want it to be juicy and tender, so don’t rush this step!
Step 5: Add Cherry Tomatoes
Next up, toss in those halved cherry tomatoes. They’ll brighten up the dish and add a lovely pop of color! Cook them for an additional 2 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
It’s time to bring it all together! Gently fold in the cooked tortellini with the chicken and tomato mixture. Make sure everything is well combined and coated in that buttery goodness!
Step 7: Finish with Basil
Now for the fresh basil! Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the dish really comes alive, adding that fresh, vibrant flavor!
Step 8: Serve Warm
Finally, serve your Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini warm, and oh boy, get ready for some serious compliments! You can garnish it with a little extra basil if you’d like, and maybe even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every bite—it’s comfort food at its best!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious flavors: The rich cowboy butter garlic sauce elevates every bite.
- One-pan meal: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Comfort food: A warm, satisfying dish that feels like a cozy hug.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fresh veggies.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Kid-friendly: A dish that even the pickiest eaters will love!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my go-to tips! Trust me, these little tricks can elevate your dish to the next level.
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t be afraid to add an extra clove or two! But if you prefer a milder flavor, stick with the original amount. You can always start small and add more if you want!
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While fresh basil really shines in this dish, if you only have dried basil on hand, you can use that too! Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so use about a third of the amount—about 1 to 2 teaspoons should do the trick.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken stays juicy, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Work in batches if necessary, and give each piece enough space to brown nicely. This also helps to avoid steaming the chicken!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to the mix! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. Just toss them in when you add the cherry tomatoes, and let them soften a bit.
- Make it Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the chicken, tortellini, and sauce ahead of time. Just combine everything when you’re ready to eat, and it’ll come together in a flash!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be a pro at making this mouthwatering dish in no time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and flavor, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with something wholesome!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’ll be good to go. They’re usually ready in a similar time frame, making this dish super convenient!
What can I substitute for cowboy butter?
If you can’t find cowboy butter, no worries! You can use regular unsalted butter and add a touch of garlic powder and some herbs like parsley or thyme to mimic that cowboy flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free tortellini, this Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini is completely gluten-free. Just check the package to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also use a plant-based protein option if you want that hearty texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. It’s still tasty the next day!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a great side dish, consider making honey-glazed carrots to complement your meal.
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini: 8 Steps to Joyful Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish combining chicken, tortellini, and a rich cowboy butter garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked tortellini
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 4 tbsp cowboy butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt cowboy butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cubed chicken and cook until browned.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Combine cooked tortellini with the chicken mixture.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker meal.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- Fresh herbs enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini