If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then let me introduce you to the Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Recipe. This delightful meal combines tender, juicy chicken with pillowy cheese tortellini, all bathed in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, with every bite delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this show-stopping Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the savory chicken and aromatic garlic to the luscious cream and sharp Parmesan—all contributing to layers of irresistible flavor and inviting textures.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: diced for quick and even cooking that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents sticking while cooking the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: introduces just enough bite and warmth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: brings that quintessential Italian aroma and depth to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: creates the silky, rich base that makes the dish indulgently creamy.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: balances the cream and adds a savory foundation.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: delivers sharpness and umami to the sauce, binding everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: infuses a fragrant medley of herbs that tie all the ingredients harmoniously.
- 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini: the star pasta that’s tender and cheesy in every bite.
- 2 cups baby spinach: wilted into the dish for a pop of freshness and color.
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley: for a bright, herbal finish when serving.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. This step builds a flavorful base that’s juicy and tender—perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce later in the process.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic to the cooked chicken and cook for just one minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. Then reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the creamy Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning. Stir continuously as the sauce gently simmers, allowing everything to meld into a smooth and luscious mixture. This step transforms basic ingredients into something irresistibly decadent.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tortellini
Next, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the skillet, stirring so each tortellini is coated in that rich sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. This one-pan approach simplifies dinner while infusing the pasta with fantastic flavor.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts gracefully into the creamy sauce. Give everything a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—salt and pepper can always bring that perfect balance.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish visually and tastefully, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top. It adds a vibrant green pop and a subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. A few extra shavings of Parmesan can also never go wrong here for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add contrasting textures and brighten the plate. A crusty garlic bread or a warm focaccia is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Recipe in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. You can also plate it alongside roasted cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-style appearance that feels comforting yet refined.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the sauce, which only makes reheated portions even tastier after a day or two.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the tortellini and chicken sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cream sauce smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up. Avoid using a microwave if you want to keep that heavenly creamy texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time to ensure they cook through completely.
Is there a lighter version of this Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and cream to reduce fat content without sacrificing too much on creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely. Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make fantastic additions that boost flavor and add nutrition.
What’s the best cheese to use in this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal because it melts perfectly and adds a sharp, nutty flavor. Avoid pre-grated types with additives, as they don’t integrate as smoothly into the sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Browning it well at the start also locks in juices for maximum tenderness.
Final Thoughts
There’s really something magical about the way the Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Recipe comes together—simple ingredients transformed into an incredibly comforting and flavorful meal that feels special every time you make it. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, give this one a try—you might just find your newest favorite dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.
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Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken is a comforting Italian-inspired one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breast, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach enveloped in a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the tortellini well. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for a creamy, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture variations.
- Make sure to stir frequently after adding the cream sauce to prevent it from scorching.
