Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Spinach Tortellini

You know those evenings when you want something comforting yet fancy enough to feel like a special occasion? That’s where this creamy Parmesan chicken and spinach tortellini comes in. It’s an absolute gem of a dish that merges richness with a refreshing hint of greens, offering both satisfaction and a bit of elegance.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Picture yourself cozied up with a plate of steaming tortellini draped in a luscious cream sauce, mingling with tender chicken and vibrant spinach. Sounds heavenly, right? Not only does this dish deliver on flavor, but it also checks off the boxes for ease and quick preparation.

What makes it truly special is its ability to handle a busy weeknight while still impressing on date night. The combination of savory chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan will make your taste buds dance! Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in about 30 minutes. It’s a win all around—perfect for those of us who cherish great food without the restaurant bill.

Key ingredients overview

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s talk ingredients. Each one brings a unique flair to the dish:

• Tortellini: Two cups of these delightful pasta bites act as the hearty base. You can choose fresh, frozen, or even dried; just adjust the cooking time as needed. The good news? They absorb flavors beautifully, making every bite a dream.

• Chicken: You’ll need a pound of chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Chicken is fantastic here—grilling or sautéing gives you that golden-brown finish that seals in moisture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, thighs could offer a richer taste!

• Spinach: Two cups of fresh spinach add a pop of color and nutrients. It wilts down beautifully, adding a lovely texture and a hint of earthiness that complements the creaminess of the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: A cup of this velvety liquid is what takes the dish to the next level. It brings that rich, indulgent mouthfeel, making each forkful feel extra special. Just be sure to keep an eye on the heat—nobody likes curdled cream!

• Parmesan Cheese: You’ll need a cup of grated Parmesan for that unmistakable umami flavor. This cheese doesn’t just serve as a garnish; it transforms the sauce into something utterly divine.

• Olive Oil: Use two tablespoons to sauté your chicken. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice here for its flavor profile.

• Garlic: The aroma of two cloves of minced garlic sautéing in the oil adds an irresistible intrigue. You could swap in shallots for a gentler flavor if you prefer something milder.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple, yet crucial! Seasoning to taste balances the dish beautifully.

Step-by-step instructions overview

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking? This process is like a little dance in the kitchen, and I promise, you’ll be in love by the time you take your first bite. Let’s break it down:

1. Cook the tortellini: Follow package instructions, then set aside.

2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and no longer pink.

3. Add garlic: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it gets fragrant—don’t let it burn!

4. Simmer the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Stir in the cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce is smooth.

6. Incorporate the green: Toss in the fresh spinach along with the cooked tortellini, stirring until the spinach wilts down—that’s when you know you’ve hit the sweet spot!

7. Season: Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper. Remember, it’s all about balance.

8. Serve hot: Grab your favorite bowls and glob on that creamy goodness!

Best way to enjoy it

Serve it up hot, straight from the pan if you like that home-cooked aesthetic. Garnish with a bit of extra Parmesan and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil for a touch of flair. Pair it with a crisp salad or some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of white wine—like a nice Sauvignon Blanc—would cap off the evening perfectly.

Storage and reheating tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Reheating on the stovetop is best to keep the cream sauce silky. You might need a splash of milk or extra cream to loosen it up, ensuring it doesn’t get clumpy. And yes, you can freeze this dish! Just remember, when it thaws, the texture of the cream may change, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Helpful cooking tips

• Don’t skimp on the garlic—it is the heart of this dish, adding depth that’s irreplaceable.
• If you want to make it a bit lighter, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half. Just note that it will be less rich, but still delicious.
• For added heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while simmering, or throw in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.

Creative twists

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas to experiment with:

• Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy surprise.
• Swap in shrimp for the chicken if seafood is more your style.

Ingredients list

• 2 cups tortellini
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add the fresh spinach and cooked tortellini, stirring until the spinach wilts.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot.

Your questions answered

• How long does it take to prepare? About 30 minutes from start to finish!
• Can I use frozen tortellini? Absolutely! Just cook according to package instructions.
• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? Sure, just replace the chicken with a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or zucchini.
• What can I serve it with? A simple side salad or garlic bread work wonders.
• Can I reheat leftovers? Yes, stovetop reheating is preferred to maintain the creamy texture.

This creamy Parmesan chicken and spinach tortellini isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, savoring flavors that bring warmth and joy. I hope you give it a try! Share your experiences or any fun twists you made—I can’t wait to hear about it! Let’s create a vibrant cooking community together!

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Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Spinach Tortellini

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy F Family Friendly Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Creamy Parmesan chicken and spinach tortellini is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tortellini in a luscious cream sauce.

Key Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups tortellini (Fresh, frozen, or dried, adjust cooking time as needed.)
• 1 pound chicken breast (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (Add for color and nutrients.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Brings richness to the sauce.)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds umami flavor.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin is recommended.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (For flavoring.)
• to taste salt and pepper (To season the dish.)

Cooking Instructions

Steps

1. Cook the tortellini

   Follow package instructions for the tortellini and set aside.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the chicken

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and no longer pink.
   Mark as complete

3. Add garlic

   Once the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
   Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
   Mark as complete

4. Simmer the cream

   Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
   Mark as complete

5. Stir in the cheese

   Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
   Mark as complete

6. Incorporate the green

   Toss in the fresh spinach along with the cooked tortellini, stirring until the spinach wilts.
   Mark as complete

7. Season

   Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
   Aim for a balanced flavor.
   Mark as complete

8. Serve hot

   Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
   Pair with a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 18g90%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 1800 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 500 mg

Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For variation, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or using shrimp instead of chicken.

Keywords: creamy pasta, Parmesan chicken, spinach tortellini, weeknight dinner, comforting dish