If you’re craving a comfort meal that looks and tastes special, Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce is the answer to your midweek dinner prayers. This irresistible dish brings together juicy, golden chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, all coated in a garlicky, ultra-creamy Parmesan sauce that’s pure magic. In just 30 minutes, you get a meal that feels totally restaurant-worthy, but with all the warmth and cozy satisfaction of home cooking. Whether you’re serving family or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers layer upon layer of flavor, texture, and comforting goodness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce are beautifully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building creamy, cheesy, and savory perfection. You don’t need anything fancy — just these kitchen staples to create an all-in-one meal with a little something for every taste bud!
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken, adding a subtle fruity flavor and golden hue.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and soaks up all the rich sauce.
- Salt: Seasons the chicken and sauce, boosting all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat with earthy complexity.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce a rich, buttery finish and helps cook the garlic.
- Garlic (minced): Star of the show for that punchy, aromatic base.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it beautifully coats every bite.
- Heavy cream: The secret to the luscious, silky-smooth sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the richness of cream.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce for sharp, nutty flavor and creamy body.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil for classic Italian aromas.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Tender pasta stuffed with cheese brings that satisfying chew.
- Baby spinach: Wilts just enough for color, freshness, and a little healthy green goodness.
- Mozzarella cheese (optional): Kicks up the gooey cheesiness if you love a meltier texture.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish to finish things off with flair.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions (usually just a few minutes), then drain and set aside. This keeps the tortellini perfectly al dente, so it stands up to the creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Let the chicken cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden on the outside and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside—you’ll be adding it back in a bit!
Step 3: Start the Sauce Base
In that same skillet (don’t wash out those tasty browned bits!), melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute. This easy roux will work wonders in thickening your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking nonstop. This keeps your sauce lump-free and oh-so-silky. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it starts to thicken into a dreamy, glossy mixture.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses and Flavor
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella (if using). Watch as the cheeses melt into the sauce, turning it ultra rich and cheesy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — this is where Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce truly shines!
Step 6: Combine and Wilt
Add the drained tortellini, cooked chicken, and baby spinach to the skillet. Gently stir everything together until the spinach just wilts and every morsel is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. If the sauce seems a bit thick, splash in a little extra broth or milk until it’s the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately while it’s bubbling hot and at its creamiest best.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese truly elevates both the look and taste. For a touch of heat, scatter on some crushed red pepper flakes, or add a grind of black pepper for sharpness right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but it partners perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of warm, crusty garlic bread. Both help balance out that rich, creamy sauce and make an everyday dinner feel like a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve straight from the skillet at the table — let everyone help themselves! If you’re entertaining, spoon individual portions into shallow pasta bowls and top with extra cheese and parsley for a restaurant-style touch. Or go for a bake by topping with more mozzarella and popping under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but it’s easy to refresh when reheating.
Freezing
While this creamy sauce is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate. You can also microwave on medium power in 60-second bursts, stirring each time.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a timesaver. Just stir it in with the tortellini and spinach until everything is heated through for a speedy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce.
What if I can’t find refrigerated tortellini?
No worries—frozen tortellini works just as well. Simply boil it according to the package directions and proceed as in the recipe. If you prefer, even dried tortellini can work with a slightly longer cook time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Totally! Skip the chicken and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still have all the rich, cheesy, garlicky flavor packed into every creamy bite of tortellini and spinach.
How do I add extra veggies?
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce is super flexible. Try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli along with the spinach for more color and veggie power.
Will the sauce separate when reheated?
The creamy sauce may thicken as it chills, but with a gentle reheat and a splash of milk or broth, it comes right back together. Just heat slowly and stir often for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re looking for something extra cozy, treat yourself to Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce. This recipe is a keeper — it’s weeknight easy, family-friendly, and guaranteed to have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in a luxurious sauce that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. This Italian-American dish is a flavorful blend of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach, all coated in a savory creamy sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil salted water and cook the tortellini. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté seasoned chicken until golden. Remove from skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, whisk in flour, add cream and broth. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cheeses.
- Combine: Add tortellini, spinach, and chicken to the sauce. Stir until coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- You can use frozen tortellini or rotisserie chicken as shortcuts.
- Pair with garlic bread or a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
