Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers – Quick, Creamy & Bold

Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers is the kind of dinner that tastes like a warm hug wrapped in creamy, garlicky goodness. It starts with juicy chunks of chicken, golden and seasoned just right. Then comes the cheesy tortellini—hello, comfort food! But the real magic? That cowboy butter sauce. It’s rich, zesty, herby, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.

Add smoky-sweet fire-roasted red peppers, and bam—you’ve got a dinner that feels like a special occasion on a weeknight. This dish is fast, bold, and downright addictive, making it perfect for busy moms, tired professionals, or anyone who just wants to eat something outrageously good without spending hours in the kitchen.

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What is Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers?

At its heart, Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers is a 30-minute meal that brings together creamy pasta and bold, buttery sauce in one skillet. Cowboy butter is a flavor-packed blend of butter, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, and herbs—kind of like the wild cousin of garlic butter. When you toss that with bite-sized chicken pieces and cheese-filled tortellini, things start to get seriously cozy. And let’s not forget the fire-roasted red peppers—they bring a mellow smokiness and splash of color that makes the whole dish pop. It’s rich and filling without being too heavy, and it delivers restaurant-level flavor with a no-fuss vibe.

Reasons to Try Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

Let’s be real—dinner shouldn’t feel like a chore, and this recipe makes sure it doesn’t. Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini is ready in just 30 minutes, but it tastes like you spent all day making it. That cowboy butter sauce? It hits every flavor note—garlic, spice, creaminess, and that little zip of lemon. Got picky eaters? They’ll be too busy licking their plates to complain. Plus, it’s easy to customize—swap chicken for shrimp, or make it veggie-friendly. It’s also a one-pan wonder (read: fewer dishes to wash). If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dinners like our Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, this one’s about to be your next obsession.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped fire-roasted red peppers (from a jar or freshly roasted)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

Ready to bring bold flavors to the table? Follow this step-by-step guide to create a creamy, savory dinner that feels like a five-star meal—without the stress. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a no-fail comfort food recipe, each step below walks you through the process clearly and deliciously. Grab your skillet—let’s do this.

Step 1: Cook the Cheese Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—don’t skip the salt here, it’s your chance to season the tortellini from the inside out. Once the water’s bubbling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions. You’re aiming for al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Overcooked tortellini will fall apart in the sauce, so keep an eye on the clock.

Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the pasta water and set it aside. This starchy liquid can help adjust the sauce later if it gets too thick. Drain the pasta, drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking, and set it aside.

Need a gluten-free option? Check out our ingredient substitution tips for pasta alternatives.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the pan. While the chicken cooks, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. These spices build a smoky-savory base that brings out the “cowboy” vibes in the sauce.

Sauté the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. You want those beautiful brown bits (called fond) to form on the bottom of the pan—that’s where serious flavor lives.

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Base

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—we’re about to use all those flavorful bits!), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As it melts, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is how you start layering rich, bold flavor into your sauce.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—careful not to burn it! Then stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and another pinch of salt and pepper.

This step is where the cowboy butter magic happens. The Dijon adds tang, the paprika and red pepper flakes bring warmth, and the lemon keeps everything from getting too heavy. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors really get cozy.

Curious about other dishes that use cowboy butter? Try our crowd-favorite Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes for another creamy, garlicky win.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Fire-Roasted Peppers

Pour in ¾ cup of heavy cream and stir gently to combine with the butter sauce. You’ll start to see a creamy, luscious texture forming—this is the base that’s going to hug every piece of tortellini and chicken.

Next, fold in the chopped fire-roasted red peppers. These add a smoky sweetness that balances the creamy richness. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes. It should thicken slightly and take on a dreamy, velvety look.

If you’re a fan of recipes with fire-roasted peppers, you might also love our Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake.

Step 5: Bring Back the Chicken

Time to reunite the chicken with its cowboy butter roots. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir gently to coat each piece in that silky sauce. Give it another minute or two on the heat so everything gets warm and deliciously blended.

Step 6: Toss in the Tortellini

Now for the grand finale—add the cooked cheese tortellini into the skillet and toss everything together gently. Be careful not to break up the pasta; use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold it in softly.

Sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. The cheese thickens the sauce just enough to cling to every bite. If the sauce feels too thick, now’s the time to add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Finish with Freshness

Turn off the heat and garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. This final step cuts through the richness and brings everything into balance.

Serve immediately while it’s warm, cheesy, and full of bold cowboy butter flavor. This step-by-step recipe is comfort food at its finest—rich, quick, and satisfying in every bite.

What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

This dish is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round things out, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders to balance the richness. Garlic bread (because carbs on carbs = comfort) is always a win. You could also go with roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans if you’re aiming for something greener. Hosting dinner? Start with a Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage as an unexpected twist and end with something bright like lemon bars or fresh berries with whipped cream.

Key Tips for Making Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

Want this recipe to turn out like a weeknight miracle every time? Use refrigerated tortellini for better texture—they cook fast and taste fresher. Don’t overcook the chicken—golden is good, dry is not. Let the cowboy butter sauce simmer to blend the spices and mellow the garlic. And don’t skip the lemon juice—it gives the richness that hit of brightness. If you’re spice-sensitive, tone down the red pepper flakes. And if the sauce thickens too much while it rests, just add a little milk or pasta water to bring it back to creamy perfection.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, pop it into a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Tortellini tends to soak up sauce as it sits, so don’t panic if it looks thicker the next day. It’ll still taste delicious. Want to prep ahead? You can make the cowboy butter sauce a day early and refrigerate—it reheats beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just cook it a minute or two longer than fresh and drain well.

Can I swap the chicken for something else?
Totally. Try shrimp, steak bites, or even just extra roasted veggies for a meatless version.

Is this spicy?
It has a gentle kick, but you can adjust the crushed red pepper to suit your taste.

Can I freeze it?
This one’s best fresh. The cream sauce doesn’t always freeze and reheat well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright comforting about digging into a bowl of Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers. It’s bold, creamy, quick, and just indulgent enough to feel special. Whether you’re wrangling a busy weeknight or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish delivers. And if you loved this, don’t miss our Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken or Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake for even more flavor-packed dinners.

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