Garlic Chicken with Fire-Roasted Peppers

This creamy chicken tortellini dish with a rich cowboy butter sauce and fire-roasted red peppers is a perfect weeknight meal when you want something comforting but full of flavor. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the cheesy tortellini and smoky roasted peppers, all brought together in a garlic and herb-infused sauce that feels both indulgent and fresh.

I first made this when craving a cozy dinner after a long day and it became an instant favorite with my family. Now it’s a go-to when I want an impressive meal without fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: tender and protein-packed, cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking choose fresh chicken for best results
• Olive oil: for sautéing chicken, opt for extra virgin for a fruity note
• Smoked paprika: adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the roasted peppers look for good-quality Spanish paprika if you can
• Garlic powder: enhances savory notes, balanced with fresh garlic in the sauce
• Butter: the base of the cowboy butter sauce use unsalted to control seasoning
• Fresh garlic cloves: minced for bright aromatic flavor fresh is a must here for punchy taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes: offers a gentle kick, adjust to your heat preference
• Lemon juice: brightens and balances the richness of the sauce, always fresh and freshly squeezed
• Dijon mustard: adds tang and complexity, go for smooth Dijon
• Paprika and onion powder: deepen the flavor without overpowering
• Dried thyme: earthy herbaceous note that ties the sauce together
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning throughout, freshly ground pepper is ideal
• Cheese tortellini: stuffed with cheese for creamy texture, choose fresh or refrigerated for best results
• Heavy cream: makes the sauce rich and luscious do not substitute with light cream or milk if you want full creaminess though you can lighten it if desired
• Grated Parmesan cheese: adds savory umami and creaminess
• Chopped fire-roasted red peppers: smoky and sweet, either jarred or freshly roasted quality peppers make a big difference avoid runny or low-flavor varieties
• Chopped fresh parsley: for a fresh herbal finish and a pop of color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.

Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt butter, scraping up any browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Add minced fresh garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.

Add Cream and Peppers:

Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to make a smooth sauce. Add the chopped fire-roasted red peppers and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the peppers are warmed through.

Combine Chicken and Tortellini:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir so it gets fully coated in the sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together until evenly distributed and coated.

Finish with Cheese and Parsley:

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it to your liking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy sauce texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find fire-roasted red peppers, you can roast your own fresh red bell peppers under the broiler or on a grill until charred and peel off the skin. For a lighter sauce, replace half the heavy cream with whole milk or chicken broth but note the sauce will be less rich. Swap chicken with shrimp, steak bites, or sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian or different protein version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Add crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the extra sauce. A chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the creamy, garlicky notes.

Pro Tips

• Toast spices lightly in the butter before adding garlic to unlock deeper flavors I learned the hard way that skipping this step makes the sauce less vibrant
• Use fresh tortellini when possible for the best texture but frozen or refrigerated tortellini works fine in a pinch
• Don’t skip reserving pasta water; adding a splash helps loosen the sauce perfectly if it thickens too much during cooking

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, fresh tortellini works well and offers a tender texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as fresh pasta cooks faster.

→ How can I make the sauce less rich?

Substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or chicken broth for a lighter, yet still creamy sauce without sacrificing flavor.

→ What can I substitute for chicken in this dish?

Shrimp, steak bites, or sautéed vegetables make excellent alternatives that complement the garlic butter sauce and roasted peppers nicely.

→ How do fire-roasted red peppers affect the flavor?

They add a smoky-sweet dimension that balances the richness of the sauce and enhances the overall complexity of the dish.

→ Can this dish be reheated without losing texture?

Yes, gently reheat leftovers with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and keep the chicken tender.

→ Is it possible to increase the heat level?

Absolutely, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne to give the sauce a spicier kick according to your preference.