If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe is your new go-to delight. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken with pillowy cheese tortellini, all wrapped in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, brightened with fresh spinach. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that brings together flavors and textures that dance so beautifully—whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each plays an important role in crafting that signature creamy, savory, and vibrant flavor. From the tender chicken that adds protein and substance, to the delicate tortellini delivering comfort, every ingredient has a purpose that makes this dish truly shine.
- Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins: Tenderloins cook quickly and stay juicy for the perfect bite.
- Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini offers the best texture, but frozen works well with adjusted cooking time.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce; half-and-half works for a lighter texture.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory punch.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan intensifies the creamy flavor in the sauce.
- Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds depth to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Balances the butter’s richness and helps in searing the chicken.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor; kale is a tasty alternative.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps get a nice sear. Then, season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step ensures your chicken is bursting with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and golden browned. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm—retaining juiciness is key here.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—fresh typically takes 3-5 minutes, frozen about 7-10. Drain and set them aside, ready to be enveloped by that creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add another tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until the aroma fills your kitchen—avoid browning it too quickly. Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let this simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens invitingly.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Spinach
Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return these to the creamy skillet along with the drained tortellini and fresh spinach. Toss everything gently, just enough for the spinach to wilt and the tortellini to get luxuriously coated in the sauce. This mix is what makes the Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe truly come alive.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish it out into bowls and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra Parmesan and a dash of black pepper on top. You’ve got a meal that’s simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan elevates the dish both in appearance and flavor. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add a glossy finish and slight richness on the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make a wonderful balance to this creamy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy vibe or on sleek white plates if you want the colors to pop. For a party, mini cast-iron skillets create an inviting, sharable presentation. Garnishing with vibrant microgreens or edible flowers can also make your plate look magazine-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, but gentle reheating will bring back the creamy magic.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well but with a slight change in texture. To freeze, let it cool completely and use freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that fresh spinach texture may soften after freezing, so you might want to add some fresh greens when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. Microwave reheating is possible but do it in short intervals, stirring in between for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini gives this dish its classic texture and flavor, you can substitute with ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Olive oil instead of butter works well, too, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and cook the tortellini in advance, then assemble and finish the sauce just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or baby arugula make excellent green alternatives that bring their own unique flavors and nutrients to the dish.
How spicy is the dish?
This dish is naturally mild, focusing on the creamy Parmesan and garlic flavors. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe enough—it’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet comes together so easily. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, the cozy creaminess and comforting flavors make every bite a celebration. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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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
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan is a comforting, satisfying dish featuring tender seared chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh spinach enveloped in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe balances rich flavors with fresh ingredients for a delightful and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins (Use tenderloins for quick cooking)
Pasta
- 9 ounces Cheese Tortellini (Fresh is best, frozen also works)
Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Use freshly grated for best results)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic enhances flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Olive oil can be used as substitute)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Use vegetable oil if out of olive)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale can be used as an alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions—3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-10 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine all ingredients: Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Add the drained tortellini and fresh spinach, tossing gently until the spinach wilts and everything is coated evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken tortellini into bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of black pepper for additional flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use chicken tenderloins for quicker cooking times without sacrificing tenderness.
- Fresh cheese tortellini offers the best texture and flavor, but frozen works well if adjusted for cooking time.
- Half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream to reduce richness and calories.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferable for the best flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Kale can be substituted for spinach if a more robust leafy green is desired.
- Ensure to season the water when boiling tortellini for added flavor.
