If you are on the hunt for a comforting yet elegant dish that comes together quickly, the Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini with Garlic Parmesan Recipe is an absolute winner. This luscious meal brings tender, perfectly seared chicken and pillowy cheese tortellini together in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, all brightened up with fresh spinach. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that will make you want to savor every forkful. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at dinner, this dish feels both indulgent and homey in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so crave-worthy. From fresh spinach adding a vibrant touch to rich Parmesan bringing depth to the sauce, the ingredients come together to create magic.
- 1 pound Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini offers the best chewy texture, but frozen works well too for convenience.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: This is the secret behind the luscious, silky sauce that coats every bite.
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth; you can swap for Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Gives richness and a gorgeous golden sear to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Helps achieve that perfect crispness without burning.
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins: Tender and juicy, the protein star of this dish.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend that elevates the chicken with herbal warmth and balance.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully when used just right.
- Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to each bite.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Brings brightness, color, and a slight earthiness that complements the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini with Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry to help them sear perfectly. Then, generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and the Italian seasoning. This foundational step ensures the chicken is bursting with flavor inside the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Warm the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. This caramelization adds an irresistible texture and richness.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually 3 to 5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Once tender, drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Make the Sauce
In the same skillet that held the chicken, add minced garlic and cook briefly over medium heat until fragrant—about one minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the buttery pan drippings, which adds incredible flavor depth.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously as it melts into the cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This results in the signature creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet, along with the drained tortellini and fresh spinach. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sumptuous sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serving hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan is the perfect way to bring this meal together.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini with Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a few twists of cracked black pepper, or even a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil. These simple touches elevate the dish without overshadowing its creamy goodness.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is rich and fulfilling, pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables balances the meal perfectly. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also works wonderfully to soak up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the tortellini in shallow bowls for a cozy, restaurant-style approach. Alternatively, consider layering it in a beautiful casserole dish for a family-style presentation. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few chili flakes sprinkled on top can add a fresh, unexpected flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a great option for next-day meals.
Freezing
While fresh spinach can become a bit watery after freezing, you can freeze the creamy chicken tortellini without spinach for up to two months. Add fresh spinach when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to preserve the creamy texture and prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is traditional here, you can experiment with spinach-filled or even mushroom tortellini to give a unique twist to the dish.
Is there a lighter version of the Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini with Garlic Parmesan Recipe?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lighter cream option. You can also reduce the butter slightly or use a cooking spray for searing the chicken.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the chicken with tofu or extra mushrooms for hearty texture and protein. Just adjust seasoning and cooking times accordingly.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Slowly add the Parmesan into the sauce off the heat or over very low heat, and stir gently to help it melt smoothly. Avoid boiling the cream once cheese is added.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach works fine but squeeze out excess water before adding to the sauce. Kale or Swiss chard can also be delicious substitutes for a slightly different but tasty twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini with Garlic Parmesan Recipe enough for anyone craving a cozy, comforting meal that still feels special. With simple ingredients and straightforward methods, you get a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is!
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Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini with 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
A rich and creamy Chicken Tortellini recipe featuring tender seared chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting and indulgent 30-minute dinner that combines fresh cheese tortellini with a velvety cream sauce infused with Italian seasoning and garlic.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 1 pound Cheese Tortellini (Fresh is best for texture, but frozen works too)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Replace with half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano can be a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Essential for richness)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For searing chicken)
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins (Turkey or tofu are substitutes)
Produce & Seasonings
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh is recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Adjust with fresh herbs for a robust taste)
- Salt (Essential for seasoning)
- Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning)
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale can be a substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure balanced flavor infusion.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and heated through, add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, generally 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini, until tender. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute, to release the aromatic flavors into the base of the sauce.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and stir to combine. Gradually add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese while gently simmering for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet. Add the cooked and drained tortellini along with 4 cups of fresh spinach. Toss gently to combine and allow spinach to wilt slightly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved to coat all ingredients luxuriously.
- Final Seasoning & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Fresh cheese tortellini provides the best texture but frozen is a convenient alternative.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can substitute Parmesan for a bolder taste.
- Turkey or tofu can be used instead of chicken for dietary preferences.
- If sauce thickens too much while simmering, reserved pasta water is excellent for thinning the sauce without losing flavor.
- Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting, especially when using salted pasta water and cheese.
