Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

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There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of creamy chicken tortellini. This dish wraps everything we love about cozy dinners into one creamy, garlicky, cheese-laced bite. Loaded with tender chicken, pillowy tortellini, and bright green spinach, it’s finished off in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce that clings to every forkful.

Whether you’re pulling this together on a weeknight or making it part of your weekend dinner rotation, it delivers on both ease and flavor. With minimal prep and a one-pan approach, it transforms everyday ingredients into a satisfying, restaurant-worthy experience.

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

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce is loaded with savory Parmesan and garlic flavors that perfectly complement the juicy chicken and cheesy tortellini. Spinach not only adds freshness and color but also makes the dish feel more balanced. It’s an easy way to get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights without sacrificing comfort or taste.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section of the grocery store works beautifully here. Cheese-filled tortellini is classic and pairs wonderfully with the rich garlic Parmesan sauce, but feel free to use chicken or spinach-filled tortellini for a twist. If you’re using frozen tortellini, just allow a couple of extra minutes for cooking, and avoid overboiling so they don’t become mushy.

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

This creamy dish relies on just a few everyday ingredients to build deep, comforting flavor. Each component plays a key role in creating a sauce that’s velvety and rich, but never too heavy. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and a touch of green.

• Chicken breast: Tender, lean, and easy to dice, chicken breast is the protein anchor of this recipe.
• Cheese tortellini: Choose a fresh or refrigerated variety for quicker cook time and rich cheesy filling.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color and a pop of earthy flavor, balancing out the creaminess.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives the dish its signature depth and warmth.
• Heavy cream: This is the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and body.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated Parmesan melts into the sauce to add sharp, nutty flavor.
• Butter: Used for sautéing the garlic and chicken, and adds extra flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Olive oil: Helps in browning the chicken evenly without drying it out.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add more butter if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

Meanwhile, cook the tortellini in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce, add the cooked tortellini, and gently stir in the fresh spinach. Let everything heat through for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a final touch.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

This dish is at its best when served hot and fresh, straight from the pan. The sauce is creamiest when just made, coating every piece of tortellini and chicken in a velvety embrace. It feeds about 4 people generously, making it a great option for family dinners or a cozy dinner for two with leftovers.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce, as it will thicken upon cooling. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Tortellini?

Garlic Bread

Warm, crispy garlic bread is a perfect companion. It helps soak up every bit of that irresistible sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and contrast to this rich dish.

Roasted Broccoli

The nutty char of roasted broccoli pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan notes.

Steamed Asparagus

Asparagus offers a clean, crisp bite that complements the silky texture of the tortellini.

Grilled Zucchini

Mild and slightly sweet, grilled zucchini rounds out the plate with its smoky depth.

Caprese Salad

Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a refreshing counterbalance to the warm, creamy pasta.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Their earthy umami flavor deepens the dish and adds another layer of richness.

Crispy Prosciutto

Add a salty crunch with a few shards of crisped prosciutto over the top before serving.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy chicken tortellini dish, you might also enjoy some of these delicious and easy pasta recipes:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a hearty twist with extra protein and greens.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine if you want something bright and zesty.
• Easy One-Pan Mozzarella Chicken for a minimal cleanup meal with loads of melty cheese.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini when you want to spice things up a bit.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for another cozy one-pan comfort food classic.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or extra garlic? Try it with spinach tortellini?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other make dinner magic.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. With its dreamy garlic cream sauce, savory chicken, and cheesy pasta, it’s a dish that makes everyone at the table happy. Easy enough for a quick dinner but indulgent enough to feel special—that’s a recipe worth keeping.

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