Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

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When I first tasted this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini, it was like a warm hug in a bowl. The silky cream sauce, bursting with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, clings to every fold of the pillowy tortellini. Paired with tender bites of seasoned chicken and speckled with wilted spinach, this dish brings a luxurious feel to your weeknight dinner without the hassle.

What I love most is how quickly it comes together in one pan, yet it tastes like something you’d order at an Italian trattoria. It’s rich, satisfying, and truly comfort food at its best—especially when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

This recipe is perfect when you’re short on time but want something that feels fancy. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and it’s packed with flavor. The cream sauce is infused with garlic and parmesan, balanced beautifully by the tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of spinach. Plus, using store-bought tortellini makes it ultra-convenient.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best here—they cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce like a sponge. You can use frozen tortellini if that’s what you have, but give them a few extra minutes in the pan to soften up. Avoid dried tortellini as they tend to be too firm and chewy for this type of creamy sauce.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t have chicken? Swap it with Italian sausage or even shrimp for a different twist. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double the spinach or toss in some mushrooms. You can also replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if you need something lighter. Sun-dried tomatoes add a lot of character, but if they’re not your thing, roasted red peppers make a great stand-in.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

• Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is best for this dish—it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavor-packed sauce beautifully.
• Cheese tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini is ideal. It’s soft, cooks fast, and complements the creamy base perfectly.
• Heavy cream: This is the heart of the sauce—rich, luscious, and utterly decadent.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps balance the richness of the cream.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances everything in the pan.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems provide a tangy, slightly sweet burst of flavor in every bite.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty depth.
• Spinach: A handful of baby spinach adds color and freshness, plus a nutritional boost.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and build the flavor base.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with that classic Tuscan vibe.

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Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute to release their oils and flavor into the pan.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds flavor! Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to thicken.

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Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually about 4–6 minutes), allowing them to soften and soak up the sauce.

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Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cheese

Once the tortellini are cooked, add the baby spinach and stir until wilted. Grate in the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is velvety. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan.

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Step 6: Serve It Up

Give everything a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top if you like.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

Preparing this dish is surprisingly fast given how indulgent and restaurant-worthy it tastes.

Prep Time: Most of the prep is in chopping and seasoning. If you’re organized, it’ll only take around 10–15 minutes. You’ll need to dice garlic, slice sun-dried tomatoes, season the chicken, and have everything else ready to go.

Cook Time: Cooking takes about 20–25 minutes. The chicken sears in under 10 minutes, the sauce comes together quickly, and tortellini only takes a few minutes to cook right in the pan. All in all, you can have dinner on the table in about 30–40 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a smoother, melt-in sauce—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.
• Don’t overcook the tortellini—they’ll turn mushy. Just simmer them until they’re soft but still have a slight bite.
• If your sauce feels too thick, splash in extra broth or a bit of pasta water to loosen it up.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing—it keeps the juices inside and the meat tender.
• Taste as you go! Especially before serving. A small pinch of salt or extra parmesan can really lift the flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cooking on too high heat: This can cause the cream to separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer when adding dairy.
• Using frozen tortellini without thawing: If using frozen, give them a few minutes head start in boiling water or add extra cook time.
• Skipping the sear on chicken: That golden crust adds texture and flavor. Don’t rush it.
• Adding spinach too early: It wilts fast. Always add it last to keep it vibrant.
• Forgetting to stir the cheese in slowly: Dumping all the cheese at once can make it clump. Add it gradually, stirring as it melts.

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What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini?

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Broccoli

The slightly charred, earthy flavor of roasted broccoli complements the creamy tortellini.

4. Grilled Asparagus

Adds a crisp, clean note to the meal without overpowering the flavors.

5. Sparkling Lemon Water or White Wine

For beverages, lemon water refreshes the palate or opt for a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth.

Freezing: Not ideal for freezing as cream-based sauces can split when thawed, and tortellini may become too soft.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—just add it in during the final steps.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and swap parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or extra spinach for a hearty vegetarian option.

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

Thin it with a splash of milk, broth, or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely—zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would blend in beautifully.

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Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini is everything I crave in a weeknight meal: creamy, comforting, and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for your family or trying to impress guests, it hits all the right notes. It’s fast enough for a busy night but indulgent enough to make any dinner feel special. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll earn a regular spot on your menu.

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