Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers

When you’re craving something rich, creamy, and unapologetically bold, Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini with Fire-Roasted Red Peppers is the perfect comfort dish to bring to the table. Picture this: tender cheese-filled tortellini tossed with juicy golden chicken bites, all enveloped in a velvety garlic butter sauce with smoky spices and the subtle sweetness of roasted red peppers. It’s a fusion of homestyle warmth and Western-inspired flavor that satisfies every craving in a single bowl.

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a hearty family meal, or a quick yet impressive dish for guests, this tortellini recipe hits the spot. Inspired by the cowboy butter sauce often used to accompany grilled steaks, this version transforms that rustic, garlicky goodness into a creamy pasta sauce that coats every bite beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to gather around the table and savor every forkful.

---

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini

This recipe isn’t just another creamy pasta—it’s a flavor adventure. The secret lies in the cowboy butter sauce, a mouthwatering blend of butter, garlic, Dijon, lemon, and herbs that gives every bite a zesty, smoky, and slightly tangy kick. Paired with cheese tortellini and juicy chicken, it delivers a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Here’s why it’s a standout recipe:

• Quick and easy: Comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.

• Packed with flavor: Layers of garlic, butter, herbs, and roasted red peppers make it unforgettable.

• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy, and slightly smoky flavor combination.

• Versatile: Works great with different types of protein—try it with shrimp, steak bites, or even grilled vegetables.

It’s the perfect balance of creamy comfort and bold cowboy-style zest, all in one skillet.

---

Ingredients

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 spice level)

• 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)

---

Directions

1. Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Once done, drain the tortellini and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later if needed to thin the sauce.

---

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

Sear the chicken until golden on the outside and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally for even browning. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

The goal here is to get those flavorful browned bits at the bottom of the pan—they’ll add incredible depth to the cowboy butter sauce.

---

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it out!), lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits left behind from the chicken.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Let this mixture cook for about 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to bloom and the butter to take on a deep golden hue. The aroma alone will tell you it’s going to be good.

---

4. Add the Cream and Roasted Red Peppers

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well until fully combined with the butter mixture.

Next, add the chopped fire-roasted red peppers. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the peppers soften.

This creamy, spicy, smoky sauce forms the heart of the dish—rich, velvety, and beautifully balanced.

---

5. Combine Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the cowboy butter cream sauce. Then, add the cooked tortellini and toss gently until every piece is covered in the luscious sauce.

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce, giving it a smooth, glossy finish. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Let it all cook together for another minute so the flavors meld beautifully.

---

6. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the creamy cowboy butter chicken tortellini to plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Add an optional squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a bright, zesty contrast to the rich, buttery sauce.

Serve it hot and get ready for compliments—this dish is guaranteed to impress.

---

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

---

Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Tortellini

1. Use quality tortellini.

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini will give you the best texture and flavor. Dried versions work too, but fresh pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully.

2. Don’t overcook the chicken.

Cook just until it’s golden and no longer pink inside. Overcooking can make it dry, and you want juicy, tender bites to complement the creamy sauce.

3. Add the Parmesan gradually.

To avoid clumping, sprinkle the Parmesan into the warm sauce while stirring constantly. This ensures a silky texture instead of a grainy one.

4. Adjust the spice level.

Crushed red pepper flakes add a kick, but if you prefer a milder flavor, use less—or skip them altogether. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper.

5. Customize your veggies.

Fire-roasted red peppers add sweetness and smokiness, but you can mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.

---

What Makes Cowboy Butter Sauce So Special

The star of this dish is the cowboy butter sauce—a rustic, zesty, and savory blend originally inspired by Western-style cooking. Cowboys would make this kind of butter to brush over grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables after a long day outdoors.

Its key elements—garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices—create an explosion of flavors that elevate even the simplest ingredients. When incorporated into a creamy pasta sauce, it adds that signature Western flair while staying comforting and satisfying.

This transformation from a steak sauce to a pasta masterpiece is what makes Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini so irresistible—it’s both familiar and refreshingly different.

---

Serving Suggestions

Pair this indulgent pasta with:

• A crisp side salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce.

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the cowboy butter cream sauce.

• Grilled or roasted vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus add color and texture.

For a cozy dinner, serve it family-style in a large skillet right on the table. It’s a meal that brings people together, the way all great comfort food should.

---

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare with this dish), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

• You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to keep it creamy.

Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

---

Variations to Try

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some ideas:

• Cowboy Butter Shrimp Tortellini: Swap chicken for shrimp and add a touch more lemon juice for brightness.

• Steak Bite Version: Use small seared steak cubes for a hearty twist.

• Vegetarian Style: Skip the meat and load up on roasted vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or squash.

• Spicy Southwest Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chipotle chili powder for a smoky heat.

Each version keeps that signature cowboy butter flavor while allowing you to customize it to your taste.

FAQs

When it comes to creamy, flavor-packed pasta dishes, this Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini recipe stands out for its boldness and simplicity. Below are four detailed FAQs that answer common questions readers may have before trying it at home.

---

1. What exactly is Cowboy Butter, and how does it enhance this recipe?

Cowboy butter is a savory, spiced compound butter traditionally made with garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a versatile sauce originally used to drizzle over grilled meats and seafood, giving them a rich, zesty, and slightly smoky flavor.

In this recipe, cowboy butter takes on a creamy twist. The butter is melted with garlic and spices, then blended with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious sauce that coats the tortellini and chicken beautifully. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced — buttery, garlicky, and kissed with a hint of spice and citrus. It transforms simple ingredients like chicken and pasta into a restaurant-quality meal.

If you’ve never tried cowboy butter before, this pasta is the perfect introduction. It showcases how the sauce’s bold, rustic charm can elevate comfort food into something unforgettable.

---

2. Can I make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Tortellini ahead of time or meal prep it?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this dish ahead of time with a few easy adjustments. To make it for meal prep, cook the chicken and the cowboy butter sauce separately from the tortellini. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stove, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture, then toss in freshly boiled tortellini.

If you plan to serve it later the same day, you can assemble everything and refrigerate it, then reheat over low heat before serving. Avoid freezing this dish because dairy-based sauces can separate and lose their creamy consistency when thawed.

Meal prepping this dish is a great way to enjoy quick, hearty lunches or dinners throughout the week without sacrificing flavor. The sauce even tastes better the next day as the spices continue to deepen.

---

3. What are some substitutions or variations I can try?

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you don’t have chicken on hand, you can substitute shrimp, steak bites, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a faster version. For a vegetarian alternative, skip the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. The cowboy butter sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of vegetables because of its rich yet tangy base.

For a lighter version, you can replace half of the heavy cream with milk or chicken broth. Want more spice? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Prefer more tang? A bit of lemon zest will brighten the entire dish.

You can also experiment with different types of tortellini — cheese, spinach, or even chicken-stuffed versions all work beautifully. No matter the variation, the cowboy butter sauce remains the star, tying everything together with its signature blend of buttery heat and herbaceous freshness.

---

4. What should I serve with Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini?

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides can complete the meal beautifully. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. If you’re serving guests, add garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for soaking up every drop of the cowboy butter sauce — because it’s too delicious to leave behind.

For a more balanced dinner, pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. These sides add texture and color, making the meal both nutritious and visually appealing.

If you want to keep things simple, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon before serving gives the dish a restaurant-style finish. The beauty of Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Tortellini is that it’s flexible enough to shine as a main course or as part of a larger, family-style spread.

Print