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
Scale
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.
