If you have a craving for a comforting dish that brings together silky cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and a luscious creamy spinach and garlic Parmesan sauce, then you are in for a real treat with this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that feels indulgent yet comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a vital role in creating that rich, flavorful experience that defines this dish. From tender chicken breasts to fresh baby spinach and that irresistible Parmesan, these ingredients are simple but incredibly effective in crafting every bite into something memorable.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked perfectly, giving the dish hearty substance.
- Cheese tortellini: Choose fresh or refrigerated for that pillowy texture that soaks up the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection, adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Unsalted butter: Divided use enhances richness and helps build depth in the sauce and cooking process.
- Paprika: A smoky, sweet spice that adds warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors, used for seasoning chicken and sauce.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for a hint of spice and aromatic kick throughout the dish.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses that unmistakable savory aroma that makes the sauce heavenly.
- Heavy cream: The creamy base that envelops everything in a smooth, luscious texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Baby spinach: Adds color, a touch of freshness, and a slight earthy balance to the richness.
- Chicken broth (optional): Used to thin the sauce if it feels too thick, keeping the texture just right.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry to ensure they sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning blend imparts a beautiful color and flavorful crust, which sets the foundation for this delicious recipe.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove them from the pan and let them rest; this allows the juices to redistribute for ultimate tenderness.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
While the chicken is resting, boil your cheese tortellini in a large pot according to the package instructions. Once cooked al dente, drain the tortellini and set aside. This pasta will act as the perfect base to soak up all that creamy goodness coming next.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet you used for chicken, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about a minute. This step releases the essential oils and flavors that infuse the sauce with garlic’s amazing aromatic charm.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the cream, creating a rich, velvety sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper—this is where the sauce truly comes alive.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Adjust Sauce Consistency
Mix in the baby spinach and let it gently wilt into the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, stir in some chicken broth a little at a time until you reach your perfect saucy consistency. The spinach adds a lovely pop of color and a mild, fresh earthiness that balances the richness.
Step 7: Combine Tortellini and Sauce
Add the cooked tortellini back into the skillet, gently folding them into the sauce so every piece gets coated in that luscious cream. This harmony of creamy textures and tender pasta is one of the best parts of making this dish.
Step 8: Slice the Chicken and Plate
Slice the rested chicken and arrange it on top of the creamy tortellini. Spoon extra sauce over the top if you like it extra indulgent. The chicken’s golden exterior juxtaposed with the creaminess beneath is truly a sight to behold.
Step 9: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve your Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Recipe hot for the best experience, letting those flavors mingle warmly on the plate. You’ll want to dig in immediately!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds more cheesy depth and a touch of saltiness. Freshly chopped parsley or basil also brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of freshness that works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts make for a wonderful, balanced meal alongside this creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the tortellini in individual shallow bowls for an elegant plating style, or layer it in a baking dish topped with extra Parmesan under a broiler for a bubbly, golden crust. Presentation can elevate this comforting dish from everyday to special occasion with very little effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, making it an excellent choice for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish by storing it flat in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor of the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up to that smooth, creamy consistency you originally loved.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh or refrigerated. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times, and you’ll get the same delicious result.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and add extra spinach or your favorite sautéed veggies like mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian version that still has that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
While heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as lush and creamy.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner if needed?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer uncovered to reduce it. To thin it out, stir in small amounts of chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
What type of chicken breast works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook evenly and quickly. For extra flavor, you can pound them slightly for uniform thickness to ensure perfect cooking throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate – comforting, rich, and packed with flavor that everyone will adore. I can’t recommend it enough for your next dinner inspiration. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish. Tender seared chicken breasts are combined with cheesy tortellini and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce infused with fresh spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (divided)
Pasta and Sauce
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, to thin sauce if needed)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest to retain juices.
- Cook Tortellini: In a large pot, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, to build the sauce’s aroma.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and allow it to wilt completely into the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently fold to coat evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and place on top of the tortellini and sauce.
- Serve: Spoon any extra sauce over the chicken and pasta. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more chicken broth if it becomes too thick.
- Tortellini can be substituted with other filled pastas like ravioli if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add color and freshness.
- For a lower calorie version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
