If you’re craving a cozy, indulgent dinner that comes together in a flash, this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant spinach, and a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Prepared all in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want something truly satisfying without a fuss.

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, enriching texture, and adding pops of color that make the dish as inviting as it tastes.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds a subtle fruity richness to the base of the sauce.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking for tender, juicy bites.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that irresistible garlicky aroma and depth to the creamy sauce.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that adds savory, herbaceous notes mimicking classic Italian flavors.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the dish perfectly.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and bit of spice without overpowering.
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta, soft and cheesy, making every forkful a delight.
2 cups baby spinach: Adds freshness, a splash of green, and a mild, slightly earthy flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich and velvety base for our creamy sauce.
½ cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce just enough and adds a gentle savory background note.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The ultimate cheesy component that melts into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey, melty indulgence that stretches with every bite.
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and brightens up the presentation beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces that have been seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook these beauties for about 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust and are cooked through. This step locks in flavor and tenderness—while the sizzle is music to your ears!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Next, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it just for 30 seconds until fragrant—trust me, that garlicky aroma will make your kitchen feel like a cozy trattoria. Be careful not to burn it; we want aroma, not bitterness.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start melding the flavors together. This step softens the edges, creating the silky, luscious sauce that hugs every ingredient.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Now, gently add the refrigerated cheese tortellini right into the skillet. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the pasta is tender and perfectly warmed through. This is where the dish starts to come alive, with cheesy pockets ready to melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Stir in your baby spinach and cook just long enough for it to wilt. The spinach brings a pop of color and fresh notes that balance the richness beautifully, making every bite interesting and wholesome.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses

Turn the heat down to low and sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir slowly until they melt completely, creating that smooth, cheesy finish that’s the hallmark of this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe. Once you see that glorious silky sauce, you know you’ve nailed it!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and if you like, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, bright touch. Now you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. For an extra kick, crushed red pepper flakes work wonders too!

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta is so hearty it can stand alone, but a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also pairs nicely if you want to make it even more comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top. Or layer the finished dish in a casserole, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella, and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust that will have everyone swooning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but the cheese sauce may thicken, so be prepared to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but cheese sauces sometimes separate after thawing, so it’s best to freeze before adding the cheeses. Simply store the chicken, tortellini, spinach, and sauce base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Add cheese and reheat fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back that creamy texture. Avoid high heat which can cause the sauce to break or the pasta to overcook.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to make sure the tortellini is heated through and tender without falling apart.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter, less rich sauce. The dish will still be delicious but a little less indulgent.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Chicken works wonderfully here, but you can try shrimp, turkey, or even Italian sausage if you want a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What if I want to add more veggies?

Feel free to toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers. Add them when you add the garlic so they have enough time to soften and blend into the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by choosing gluten-free tortellini. Make sure to check labels for hidden gluten in seasoning blends or broth.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight dinners. It’s simple, fast, and downright scrumptious — bringing comfort and a little gourmet flair to your table without any stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every cheesy, garlicky bite!

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 67 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce is a rich and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, all combined in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add liquids and simmer: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook the tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and heated through.
Add spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1–2 minutes.
Melt cheeses and finish sauce: Reduce heat to low, then add grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
You can use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for a quicker preparation.
Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired