Name: Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 9 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or fresh); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach; 1⁄4 cup chicken broth (optional, to thin sauce if needed)

If you’re in the mood for comfort food that hits all the right notes, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is exactly what your tastebuds are craving. Picture tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich garlic cream sauce, speckled with vibrant green spinach, and topped with pan-seared, golden-crusted chicken. It’s indulgent, hearty, and perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress at dinner without much fuss.

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of textures and flavors. You get the creamy silkiness from the Parmesan garlic sauce, the savory bite from well-seasoned chicken, and the comforting chew of cheese-filled tortellini. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this recipe delivers comfort with sophistication in under 30 minutes.

What Kind of Tortellini Works Best?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini is ideal for this recipe as it cooks quickly and holds its shape in the rich sauce. You can use frozen tortellini in a pinch; just adjust the cooking time slightly. Avoid dried tortellini as it often lacks the creamy texture we’re aiming for in this decadent meal.

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

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. They soak up seasoning well and brown beautifully in the pan.

Cheese Tortellini: Use fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini for a creamy interior and fast cook time.

Heavy Cream: This forms the base of your luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s essential for that velvety texture.

Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and a salty, nutty depth.

Baby Spinach: Adds a burst of green, color, and nutrients that balance the richness of the sauce.

Butter & Olive Oil: The combination helps sear the chicken while adding a silky base for the sauce.

Paprika, Salt, and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce. Paprika also lends a warm hue and subtle smokiness.

Chicken Broth (optional): A splash can loosen the sauce without diluting flavor if it becomes too thick.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt a bit more butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until warmed through. Add grated Parmesan and stir until the cheese melts into a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked tortellini into the sauce, gently folding to coat. Slice the chicken and lay it over the pasta, spooning extra sauce on top if desired.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Garnish with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley for color. Serve immediately while creamy and warm.

Best Way to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken Tortellini

Serve this dish hot, right after it’s prepared. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a crisp green salad for balance. To make it even more special, drizzle a touch of olive oil or freshly cracked pepper on top before serving.

For storage, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the silky consistency. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce separating when thawed, so enjoy it fresh whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream, and use grilled chicken breast to reduce fat content. Just note that the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Can I add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms or chopped sun-dried tomatoes add incredible depth and work well with the creamy sauce.

What protein alternatives can I use?

Grilled shrimp or Italian sausage make great substitutes for chicken if you’re looking to switch things up.

Is it gluten-free?

Not unless you use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the cream sauce. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir frequently for a smooth, creamy finish.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the chicken and double the tortellini or add your favorite veggies like roasted red peppers or broccoli.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

If you’re a fan of rich, flavor-packed pasta dishes like this one, here are a few more you’ll love from the site:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice up the sauce? Try it with shrimp? Did you skip the spinach?

I love seeing your creative spins on classic comfort food. Questions and tips are welcome too—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

Looking for even more easy, satisfying meals? Follow me on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes where I share all my latest creations!

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is a one-pan comfort dish featuring golden-seared chicken, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich Parmesan garlic cream sauce with wilted spinach. It’s an indulgent, satisfying dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest.

3. In a large pot, cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Use chicken broth if sauce is too thick.

7. Add tortellini and gently fold into the sauce.

8. Slice chicken and place on top of pasta. Spoon extra sauce over if desired.

9. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or parsley if preferred.