If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying meal, look no further than this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of tender chicken, delicate cheese-filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and an indulgent creamy sauce bursting with garlic and Parmesan flavor. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for a hearty, cheesy pasta experience that’s packed with vibrant colors and incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to whip up a delicious meal that shines in every way. Each ingredient plays a star role—from the tender chicken adding protein, to the creamy sauce delivering velvety richness, and the bright spinach giving a pop of healthy green color and freshness.
- Olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to golden perfection, bringing a subtle fruity flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cubed for tender, juicy bites throughout the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance every element perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully to create the base of the creamy garlic sauce.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Adds that irresistible aromatic punch to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to luscious, coating consistency.
- Heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, ensuring richness and smooth texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the cream for layered flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty goodness that defines this recipe.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that elevates the sauce with Mediterranean notes.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The cheesy pasta stars that soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Baby spinach: Fresh greens that wilt into the sauce, adding color and nutrition.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): For an extra gooey, melty topping in the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish to finish and brighten every serving.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This ensures your tortellini is perfectly seasoned right from the start. Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside so they’re ready to soak up that creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper to highlight their natural flavor. Add them to the hot pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through inside. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t rush this step because that golden crust is pure flavor magic.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat then quickly sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—it’s like an instant flavor bomb. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for a minute to cook off the raw taste. Then, gradually whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth, blending everything until the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken up beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings
Now stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, toss in that shredded mozzarella too. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted, making the sauce irresistibly creamy and rich. This sauce is really what makes the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the creamy pan, stirring gently to coat every piece. Finally, add the fresh baby spinach—which will quickly wilt into the warmth—adding a satisfying pop of green and fresh flavor. Mix everything one last time until well combined.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish just before serving for a herbal lift and gorgeous presentation. Serve this dish hot and watch your family or friends dive right in with big smiles.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, but for an extra touch, consider adding a light drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, or even a few shaved Parmesan curls. These little additions make the dish feel restaurant-quality and tailor the flavors to your preference.
Side Dishes
The creamy, cheesy richness pairs beautifully with something lighter and crunchy like a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread that doubles as a scoop for the sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus would also add nice texture contrast and complement the Italian flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tortellini in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a lemon wedge to brighten the flavor. Or, plate the chicken and tortellini mixture over a bed of fresh arugula for a peppery note. You could even bake it for a few minutes with more mozzarella on top for an irresistible golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers an excellent next-day meal. Just be sure to keep the parsley garnish separate until serving time to maintain its freshness.
Freezing
While freezing creamy dishes isn’t always recommended due to texture changes, the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe can be frozen if necessary. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid breaking the creamy sauce. Add a splash of cream or broth if it feels too thick. Alternatively, warming in the microwave in short bursts with stirring preserves the texture and ensures every bite is as delicious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, usually a little longer, and make sure to drain well before adding to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra protein, you can add sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
How do I make the sauce less thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, just stir in a bit more chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy but still loose enough to coat the tortellini comfortably.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Parmesan is key for its signature flavor, but you can experiment by adding Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or swapping mozzarella for provolone for different melting textures. Freshly grated cheese always works best for melting smoothly.
What’s the best way to prevent the spinach from getting soggy?
Add the spinach at the very end just long enough to wilt it gently with the heat of the sauce. Overcooking spinach tends to make it mushy, so quick is definitely the way to go here.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe. It truly combines everything you want in a cozy pasta dish—comfort, flavor, ease, and a touch of elegance. Don’t hesitate to make it for your next dinner; it’s sure to bring warmth and smiles to your table time and again.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A rich and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breast and cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach. This quick stovetop recipe delivers a cheesy, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: While the tortellini cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to the pan and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and shredded mozzarella (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked tortellini, sautéed chicken, and baby spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot straight from the pan for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- You can swap in frozen tortellini or use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
