If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and vibrant fresh spinach all enveloped in a dreamy garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Every bite offers a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures, making this dish an absolute showstopper for weeknights or casual dinner parties. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly spectacular. Simple pantry staples come together with fresh produce to create something effortlessly elegant.
- Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini gives a tender bite, but frozen works wonderfully for convenience.
- Heavy Cream: This adds luscious richness to the sauce, while half-and-half can lighten it up without sacrificing creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth; Pecorino Romano can be a tasty alternative.
- Butter: Adds essential richness and helps create a velvety base for the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection and boosting flavor.
- Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins: The star protein that’s juicy, tender, and pairs beautifully with the creamy elements.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with irresistible aroma and bite.
- Italian Seasoning: Provides aromatic herbaceous notes; fresh herbs can intensify this even more.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Absolutely essential for seasoning meat, sauce, and greens to perfection.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a lovely burst of vibrant green and a subtle earthy flavor; kale works if you prefer a sturdier green.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the chicken sear beautifully rather than steam. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to create an herby, flavorful crust during cooking. This seasoning is key to layering flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. The combination ensures a rich sear and prevents butter from burning too quickly. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This creates a beautiful base of flavor that will elevate the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions—usually 3 to 5 minutes if fresh. Cooking the pasta perfectly ensures it stays tender yet firm enough to hold up in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 4: Saute Garlic and Create the Cream Sauce
Using the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat just until fragrant—about one minute. This step is crucial for unlocking garlic’s full aromatic potential without becoming bitter. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously, creating the luscious base for the sauce.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Thicken Sauce
Slowly mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt evenly into the cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth. This step transforms the simple cream into a luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to the tortellini and chicken.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Spinach
Slice your golden, cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Add the drained tortellini and fresh spinach. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly in the rich sauce. The spinach wilts quickly, adding freshness and a pop of color that balances the indulgence.
Step 7: Adjust Sauce Consistency and Final Seasoning
If your sauce feels a bit too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency—the starch in the water helps the sauce stick beautifully. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Now, you’re ready to serve this dreamy Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan imparts a sharp, salty finish, while a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. A few cracks of fresh black pepper on top add that perfect final touch. These simple garnishes elevate the dish from comforting meal to beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for crunch and earthiness. A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is always a welcome companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that decadent garlic Parmesan sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe in shallow bowls topped with garnishes for a rustic look. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with a drizzle of olive oil and a few herb sprigs for a more refined feel. Using colorful pasta dishes can also make the vibrant spinach and golden sauce pop visually on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is cream-based, it may thicken or separate slightly; just give it a gentle stir when reheating to bring it back to its luscious consistency.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but cream sauces sometimes change texture once thawed. If you decide to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps restore the creaminess. Microwave reheating is possible but requires short bursts and stirring between to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works very well and is a great time-saver. Just be mindful of cooking times, as fresh tortellini cooks faster and often has a superior texture, but frozen options won’t disappoint.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
Yes, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. Just keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as thick and rich, so you might want to simmer it a little longer to reduce and thicken.
Can I use spinach alternatives in this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe?
Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can all be used instead of spinach, each bringing a unique flavor and texture. Adjust cooking time slightly for tougher greens like kale to ensure they soften properly.
What can I use instead of chicken if I’m vegetarian?
Tofu, tempeh, or even hearty mushrooms like portobello make excellent vegetarian swaps. Season and sauté them similarly to the chicken to infuse flavor and texture that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
How can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
You can prepare the cream sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, storing both separately in the fridge. Cook tortellini fresh just before serving, then combine everything in the skillet to meld flavors before plating. This strategy keeps textures perfect and minimizes stress.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. It brings together comfort, elegance, and vibrant flavors in a way that satisfies every craving and impresses every guest. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your meal rotation—trust me, it’s definitely worth every delicious bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulgent Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach & Garlic Parmesan is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound Cheese Tortellini (Fresh is best for texture, but frozen works too.)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano can be a substitute.)
Dairy and Fats
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Replace with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Essential for richness.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For searing chicken.)
Protein
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins (Turkey or tofu are substitutes.)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh is recommended.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Adjust with fresh herbs for robust taste.)
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale can be a substitute.)
Seasonings
- Salt (Essential for seasoning.)
- Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini, until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. This builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add the Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic, heating the mixture gently.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Gradually add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt while simmering for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Chicken, Tortellini, and Spinach: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained tortellini and fresh spinach. Toss gently to combine all components evenly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, taste for seasoning, and adjust with additional salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Fresh tortellini is preferred for the best texture but frozen can be used in a pinch.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce variation.
- Pecorino Romano cheese makes a tasty substitute for Parmesan.
- Turkey or tofu can be used instead of chicken for different protein options.
- Kale can be substituted for spinach if preferred.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce as needed for optimal consistency.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on tortellini brand and chicken thickness.
