Prepare to fall in love with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken—a weeknight dinner that tastes as if it came straight from your favorite Italian bistro. This luscious, one-pan wonder tosses tender chicken pieces and pillowy cheese tortellini in a blanket of silky cream sauce, bubbling with Parmesan and dotted with spinach. Every forkful delivers a comforting blend of rich flavors and creamy textures, finished with vibrant fresh herbs. Whether you need a reliable family meal or want to impress friends in record time, Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken delivers a restaurant-quality experience with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish truly shine is the lineup of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. These essentials create the irresistible blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly chewy tortellini you’re craving.
- Chicken breasts: Diced for faster cooking, the lean chicken soaks up all the flavor of the sauce and makes every bite hearty.
- Olive oil: This helps sear the chicken for golden edges while lending a subtle depth to the entire skillet.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight the flavors of both the chicken and sauce—be generous, but taste as you go!
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds backbone and irresistible aroma straight into the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luxurious texture—rich, thick, and perfect for clinging to every tortellini.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory, subtle earthiness that keeps the sauce balanced and not overly rich.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for a nutty, salty finish that makes everything pop—don’t skimp here!
- Italian seasoning: Just a pinch brings together basil, oregano, and thyme for that classic, herby Italian flair.
- Cheese tortellini: These little pasta pillows soak up every ounce of sauce; fresh, refrigerated tortellini cook up beautifully.
- Baby spinach: Tossed in at the end, spinach wilts perfectly and adds a welcoming splash of green and a gentle, earthy note.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A final scatter for a bright, herby finish and an extra pop of color when serving Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While that warms up, season your diced chicken generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and let those cubes develop a golden crust, stirring occasionally. It usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes for them to cook through while staying juicy and packed with flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Time for the magic—toss the minced garlic right into the hot pan with the chicken. Stir for about a minute, just until fragrant, so it infuses the oil and chicken. The smell alone will have everyone in the kitchen asking what’s for dinner!
Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, and pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently and watch the sauce transform into dreamy, cheesy goodness. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors; don’t rush this part!
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Toss the refrigerated tortellini straight into the bubbling sauce. Give everything a good stir so the tortellini are well coated, then cover the skillet. Let it all simmer together for another 5 to 7 minutes. The tortellini will cook perfectly, absorbing every nuance of the sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
When the tortellini are almost done, scatter in the baby spinach. Stir just until it wilts into the cream sauce, keeping its fresh color and adding a gentle vegetal note that balances everything out. Taste and adjust your seasonings—you might want an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a touch more salt and pepper.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat and finish your Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for brightness. Serve warm and get ready for plenty of compliments.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a tried-and-true classic that makes the dish look as vibrant as it tastes. For a bolder touch, add a dusting of extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper for gentle heat. Lemon zest or a few basil leaves can give an extra burst of freshness if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken is a complete meal, but it’s even better alongside warm garlic bread or rustic ciabatta to soak up the extra sauce. Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, or lean into the Italian vibe with a roasted vegetable platter for extra color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving for guests? Dish out your Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken in shallow pasta bowls topped with a dramatic Parmesan shaving and a sprig of parsley. For family nights, serve it family-style in the skillet right at the table—it’s irresistibly inviting and encourages everyone to dig in. You can even bake it under the broiler for a minute to get some golden cheese bubbles on top if you want to go that extra mile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a lunch you’ll genuinely look forward to. The flavors meld even more overnight for an even tastier bite the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for those hectic nights when cooking just isn’t happening. Spoon the cooled pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, pressing out the air. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve that creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce in the skillet or microwave. Stir gently over medium-low heat on the stove or at half power in the microwave, heating until everything is piping hot but not boiling (to prevent curdling). Add a fresh grind of pepper and a little Parmesan to revive all those flavors.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just dice or shred the rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken, then add it in after the sauce has come together. Let it warm through in the sauce before adding the tortellini—this streamlines the process and works beautifully.
Is it possible to make Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken lighter?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even a good-quality unsweetened oat or almond cream substitute. That said, the sauce may be slightly less luscious, but still very satisfying!
What type Main Course
Go for fresh, refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture—they cook quickly and have superior flavor compared to the dried versions. If you only have frozen tortellini, you can use them in a pinch—just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time.
Does the spinach need to be pre-cooked?
No pre-cooking needed! Baby spinach wilts in just a minute or two in the hot cream sauce, keeping its color and nutrients. Just toss it in fresh towards the end for a delightful pop of green.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can boost the veggie content by adding sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers along with the garlic. These add extra texture and flavor without complicating the recipe for Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving creamy comfort food with a touch of Italian flair, Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken is calling your name. Every time I make it, it gets rave reviews—and I’m willing to bet you’ll fall for its charm, too. Give it a try, share it with family or friends, and let this quick and scrumptious dinner become a staple in your kitchen!
