Name: Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts 1 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic minced 3 cups cheese tortellini 2 cups baby spinach 1 cup heavy cream; 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 0.75 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Bring the comfort of Italian-inspired cooking to your kitchen with this rich and flavorful Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese. It’s a soul-satisfying dish that delivers a perfect balance of tender pasta, golden-seared chicken, fresh greens, and a decadent cheesy cream sauce.

Every forkful is a burst of flavor — garlicky, cheesy, slightly smoky from the chicken, and made even better with the creamy texture that coats every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something cozy, this recipe is the kind of feel-good food that everyone will be excited to dig into.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

Packed with bold flavor from seared chicken and parmesan
Super creamy but not too heavy
Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrients
Ready in 30 minutes or less — weeknight friendly!
A crowd-pleaser that feels like comfort food with a gourmet twist

Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh! Just boil it according to package instructions and drain before adding to the sauce. It holds up beautifully and absorbs all the rich creamy flavors without becoming mushy. Just be sure not to overcook it — you want that perfect bite.

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

This dish combines pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a creamy, satisfying result:

Chicken breast – Provides the meaty, seared protein that anchors the dish.
Cheese tortellini – Rich, filled pasta that becomes tender and soaks up the sauce.
Olive oil – For searing and sautéing, adding richness to the base.
Fresh garlic – Adds aromatic depth that balances the creaminess.
Baby spinach – Brings freshness and color to balance the richness.
Heavy cream – Creates that indulgent, velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty finish.
Chicken broth – Adds savory body and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning to tie everything together.
Red pepper flakes – Optional, for a subtle heat that cuts through the cream.
Parsley – For garnish and a final touch of freshness.

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

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden on the outside and cooked through. Set aside and slice.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same pan, lower the heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add Spinach

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.

Step 5: Combine Pasta

Add cooked cheese tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Top the creamy tortellini with sliced chicken, extra parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

This dish generously serves 4 people and is ideal as a main course for any night of the week. Serve it hot with a garnish of fresh parsley, a sprinkle of parmesan, and crusty bread on the side to scoop up every drop of creamy sauce.

To store, allow it to cool completely and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may cause the sauce to separate.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Tortellini?

Garlic Bread

Warm and crispy, perfect for mopping up the sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crunchy, creamy, and refreshing — a classic side.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges contrast nicely with the creamy tortellini.

Lemon Asparagus

Bright, citrusy, and adds a healthy green to the plate.

Tomato Basil Salad

Fresh and juicy — it lightens up the richness of the main dish.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy and savory, they pair beautifully with the Parmesan sauce.

White Wine or Sparkling Water

Either drink refreshes your palate between bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture. Add it during the same step as the fresh spinach.

What kind of tortellini should I use?

Cheese tortellini is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use spinach or mushroom-filled varieties for a twist.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding dairy and avoid boiling the sauce too hard once the cream is added.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the components and store them separately. Reheat the sauce gently and combine before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can substitute plant-based cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan, but it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this creamy, comforting pasta dish to your Pinterest board so you can revisit it anytime.

Have a favorite tortellini filling you love with this? Or added mushrooms, maybe? Share in the comments below!

Explore more cozy and quick pasta recipes on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next dinner idea.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is your shortcut to an indulgent yet easy dinner that feels like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant. Packed with creamy sauce, savory chicken, cheesy pasta, and fresh greens, it checks all the comfort food boxes.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just need a satisfying meal fast, this one’s going into your regular rotation.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

Author: Tanya Rivers
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is a luxurious one-pan pasta recipe you’ll crave often. It combines golden-seared chicken, cheesy tortellini, and tender spinach in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. Comforting, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights or special dinners, it’s a family favorite that feels restaurant-quality. Whether you’re after easy dinner ideas, cozy comfort food, or creamy pasta recipes, this one brings big flavor with little effort.