Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

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Imagine tender chicken simmered in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce, tossed with cheesy tortellini and fresh spinach. This dish feels like comfort in every bite and is perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without the hassle. The richness of the sauce melds beautifully with the soft pasta, while spinach adds a light earthy note to balance it all out.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this one-pan creamy chicken tortellini feels elegant and satisfying. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

This dish checks every box: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and quick. The texture combination of seared chicken, pillowy tortellini, and wilted spinach makes every forkful an experience. It also delivers restaurant-quality flavor with everyday ingredients, so there’s no need to make a special grocery run.

The sauce is luxuriously thick thanks to the parmesan and cream, yet it’s not overwhelming. It clings beautifully to the tortellini, ensuring you get a hit of that savory goodness in every bite. It also reheats like a dream, so leftovers are a bonus.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

For this recipe, refrigerated cheese tortellini is the way to go. It cooks quickly and has a wonderfully tender texture. If you’re using frozen tortellini, no worries—just boil it separately according to package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

Spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini can work too if you’re feeling experimental. Just keep the flavor profile in mind and pair accordingly with the garlic and parmesan sauce. Avoid dried tortellini for this dish; it doesn’t absorb the sauce as well and can turn out too firm.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

The ingredients in this creamy chicken tortellini dish are simple but packed with flavor. Each one has its own role in building that rich, creamy profile while keeping the dish balanced and hearty.

• Chicken breast: Lean and protein-rich, it adds a meaty bite and soaks up all the creamy flavors.
• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the show, with cheesy centers that melt slightly into the sauce.
• Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that lightens the richness.
• Garlic cloves: Essential for that savory depth in the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious texture of the sauce.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream, adding salty and nutty undertones.
• Butter: Used to sear the chicken and start the flavor base.
• Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds its own richness.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the ingredients together.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the whole dish with an herby warmth.

How To Make the Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Set aside to rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Let it cook for a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan and let it melt completely, forming a thick, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Add the refrigerated tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for a few minutes, allowing the pasta to soften and absorb flavor.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Once the tortellini is nearly done, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir gently until wilted but still vibrant green.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet. Spoon the creamy tortellini over and around the chicken, let everything heat together for a minute, then serve hot.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

A rich creamy dish like this can go from perfect to disappointing if you’re not careful. One common misstep is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough. Always sear until just golden and let it rest to retain juiciness.

Another easy mistake is rushing the sauce. Take your time letting the cream and parmesan blend into a smooth, thick sauce before adding the pasta. And be sure to stir often, as dairy sauces can stick and burn if left unattended.

Be cautious with the garlic. It should be just golden, not brown or burnt, to avoid bitterness. Lastly, don’t skip seasoning in layers—add a pinch of salt at each stage to build depth.

How to Serve and Store This Dish

This recipe generously feeds four people, making it great for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it in shallow bowls so the creamy sauce has room to pool around the tortellini and chicken.

To store, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing isn’t recommended, as the sauce may separate and the tortellini can become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Tortellini?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

Roasted Broccoli

The nutty char of roasted broccoli pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the dish.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple, lightly seasoned green beans balance out the richness and add crunch.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

A fizzy lemon drink helps cleanse the palate between creamy bites.

White Wine

A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.

Crusty Baguette

If garlic bread feels too rich, a slice of warm, crusty baguette does the job just as well.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on skewers offer a bright, zesty side that’s easy to prep.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Chicken Tortellini, you’re in for a treat with these other comforting and flavorful dishes:

• Try the ultra-satisfying Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you want that same silky sauce on a simple protein.
• For something oven-baked and full of flavor, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dreamy go-to.
• Make a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds with this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta.
• Looking for something cozy and slow-cooked? The Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti does not disappoint.
• Or keep things vibrant and fresh with this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in mushrooms or add extra garlic? Maybe stirred in sun-dried tomatoes? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and easy. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and one pan, you get a complete meal that’s elegant enough for guests and comforting enough for a weeknight. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t forget to try it again with your own twist!

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