Description
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is the kind of dish that brings comfort and flavor together in the best way. Tender cheese-filled tortellini is tossed in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce, loaded with juicy pan-seared chicken and wilted spinach. It’s everything you want in a quick dinner, easy recipe, or even a cozy comfort food idea—ready in under 30 minutes with restaurant-quality flavor. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, or something the whole family will devour, this one checks every box.
Ingredients
9 oz cheese tortellini
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove from pan, let rest, then slice.
3. While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions (3–5 minutes if fresh). Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese a bit at a time until melted and smooth.
7. Add spinach and let it wilt for 2–3 minutes.
8. Gently stir in the cooked tortellini to coat with the sauce.
9. Add sliced chicken back to the skillet, spoon sauce over top, and finish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce—pre-shredded tends to clump.
Don’t let the cream boil; gentle simmering keeps the sauce silky and prevents splitting.
You can swap the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy chicken tortellini, pasta dinner, easy weeknight meals