If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, this Indulgent Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a deliciously rich and silky pasta meal where tender chicken meets pillowy cheese-filled tortellini all wrapped in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. The fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and an earthy note that balances every bite perfectly. This recipe is simple enough for a weekday dinner but luxurious enough to serve guests without a second thought.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward but impactful ingredients. Every item plays a key role, from the creamy sauce’s smoothness to the fresh brightness of the greens and the flavorful seasoning on the chicken. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- 12 oz Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini is ideal for soft, tender pasta, but frozen works just fine for convenience.
- Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins: The main protein that becomes beautifully juicy and golden when seasoned and seared.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The backbone of the creamy sauce; you can swap for half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic packs a fragrant punch that’s essential to that irresistible aroma.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that gives the sauce its signature richness.
- 2 tbsp Butter: Provides depth and a velvety texture; ghee or margarine works for dairy alternatives.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken with a subtle fruity note; vegetable oil can be used instead.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil that season the chicken perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, enhancing all flavors.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach: Brings vibrant green color and fresh earthiness; kale or arugula can substitute.
How to Make Indulgent Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice golden crust. Generously season both sides with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and that Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet on medium, melt your butter together with olive oil, then carefully place the chicken in the pan. Sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This step builds the savory flavor foundation of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, which usually takes 3-5 minutes for fresh pasta. Once tender, drain them well and set aside. Keeping them warm but not overcooked preserves their delightful pillowy texture that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned so that it retains its mellow sweetness. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring continuously until the sauce turns gorgeously creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice your seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet with the luscious sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and fresh spinach, tossing everything together with care. The spinach will wilt quickly, adding freshness and vibrant green color. Heat through for a couple more minutes so all flavors marry into one harmonious dish.
How to Serve Indulgent Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for an eye-catching cheesy crown and a slight salty pop. A dusting of freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and subtle heat that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette can lift the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty baguette rounds out the meal effortlessly by providing something to soak up that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tortellini in shallow bowls and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. You could also sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top for a bit of crunch and nutty contrast to the softness of the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce tends to thicken when chilled, so adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating helps bring back its original silky consistency.
Freezing
This Indulgent Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe freezes reasonably well, though texture may slightly change. Freeze portions in sealed containers and consume within 2 months for best flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a little cream or water if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from drying out or the cheese breaking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly and might even be more convenient. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times to ensure the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap the chicken for tofu or omit it altogether and add extra spinach or mushrooms to keep it hearty and delicious while maintaining the creamy sauce profile.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken can work in place of heavy cream if you want a lighter dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
While you can make the sauce ahead, it’s best to combine it with the chicken and pasta just before serving to keep everything fresh and perfectly textured.
How do I prevent the spinach from getting soggy?
Add the spinach at the very end and toss it just until wilted—this retains its fresh texture and bright color, keeping your dish lively instead of mushy.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough that you give this Indulgent Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Recipe a go. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but cooks up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights that still deserve something special. Once you try it, expect to have a new favorite pasta recipe in your rotation that brings smiles every single time.
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Indulgent 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 and Garlic Parmesan is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken, cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines creamy textures with fresh greens and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Cheese Tortellini (Fresh recommended; frozen works too.)
Protein
- Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins (Main protein; can replace with turkey breast or tofu.)
Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can swap for half-and-half.)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh garlic enhances aroma.)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano can be used.)
- 2 tbsp Butter (Can use ghee or margarine for dairy-free.)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Vegetable oil can substitute.)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (Dried oregano and basil can be used instead.)
- Salt and Black Pepper (To taste.)
Vegetables
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Can substitute with kale or arugula.)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts or tenderloins with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for optimal flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil to the pan, allowing them to melt and blend. Place the seasoned chicken into the skillet and sear each side for 4-5 minutes, until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust and is cooked through.
- Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until tender and cooked. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Using the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently to thicken. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to melt it into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the seared chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with the cream sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and fresh spinach, gently tossing everything together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and ingredients to heat through evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy chicken tortellini to serving plates. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper on top for added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based dairy alternative.
- Chicken can be replaced with turkey breast for a similar taste or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, kale or arugula make great substitutes to add greens.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more Italian seasoning or black pepper as desired.
