If you’re craving the ultimate comfort meal but want something easy enough for a weeknight, you absolutely must try Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce. This is one of those dinners that truly delights everyone at the table: pillowy cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and fresh spinach bathed in a rich, velvety cream sauce with plenty of garlic and gooey melted cheese. Every forkful is irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor. There’s a wonderful contrast between the hearty chicken, pillowy pasta, and the fresh greens, finished with a shower of parsley for a little color pop. Get ready — this might become your new favorite way to combine tortellini and chicken!

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce is that the ingredient list is simple, but each element brings its own personality. These staples come together to create a dish that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day, with creamy texture, savory depth, and just the right touch of freshness.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps give the chicken a beautiful golden sear.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Makes the meal hearty and satisfying; cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Garlic powder: Layers in easy, subtle garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance and balance every ingredient.
Fresh garlic: Brings bold, instant flavor that elevates the cream sauce.
Heavy cream: Provides the luxurious base for the sauce; you can use half-and-half for a lighter option.
Chicken broth: Adds extra savory depth to the creamy sauce without making it too heavy.
Parmesan cheese: The key to that salty, nutty, umami-packed cheesy backbone.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the sauce for stretchiness and mild creaminess.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Cooks quickly and is filled with delicious, cheesy flavor; look for the 20-ounce family pack.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds a pop of green, extra nutrients, and fresh texture that balances all that richness.
Fresh parsley (optional): Perfect as a finishing garnish for herby brightness and color.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. This step creates irresistible bites of juicy, flavorful chicken that will soak up the cheesy sauce beautifully. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In that same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — you’ll immediately notice that savory aroma wafting through your kitchen. This quick step adds a punch of garlicky goodness that is essential for the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Let everything melt together for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce is dreamy, smooth, and slightly thickened. This luscious combination envelopes every piece of pasta and chicken, turning simple ingredients into something truly special.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Cook according to the package directions (usually 3 to 5 minutes), stirring often so the tortellini cooks evenly and absorbs some of the sauce. This is where everything starts to feel like a real Italian-inspired comfort meal!

Step 5: Return Chicken and Wilt Spinach

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then gently fold in the fresh baby spinach. Simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and everything is mingling together in cheesy harmony. Now you’re just minutes away from pure dinner bliss!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the hot tortellini, chicken, and spinach into bowls (or onto a platter, if you like!). For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley. The Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce is at its best right out of the skillet, piping hot and melty.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the flavors and offers a lovely contrast to all that rich cream and cheese. For even more zing, you can add a light dusting of extra Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, or a pinch of red chili flakes for a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can never go wrong with a warm, crusty piece of garlic bread to soak up the sauce. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast, or try roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini for vibrant color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve straight from the skillet — it looks inviting and encourages seconds! For a special meal, portion the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce into shallow bowls and top with parsley and extra cheese. You can even bake the finished dish in a casserole with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for an irresistible, bubbly top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers to airtight containers. Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, but a splash of milk or broth will revive it when you reheat.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. Be aware that cream sauces may separate a bit when thawed, but a slow reheat and stirring will help bring everything back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat individual portions on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power, adding a little milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently for even heating and to preserve that silky, cheesy finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, and add it directly into the simmering sauce until tender and heated through.

Can Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and use cheese-filled tortellini (check for a vegetarian-friendly label), then substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. You’ll still get a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal.

What proteins work as a substitute for chicken?

Feel free to use sliced Italian sausage, cooked shrimp, or even rotisserie chicken to save time. You can also swap in sautéed mushrooms for a meaty vegetarian option.

How can I lighten up the sauce without sacrificing flavor?

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk (though the sauce will be a bit thinner), and use reduced-fat cheeses. Add extra spinach or other veggies for more freshness and nutrition.

Can I make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce in advance?

While it’s absolutely best right after cooking, you can make the whole dish a few hours ahead and keep it covered in a warm oven. Give it a good stir and add a splash of broth before serving to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around the table with a big skillet of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce. With that rich, garlicky cream sauce and gooey cheese in every bite, this dinner never fails to impress. Give it a try — and don’t be surprised when it quickly earns a regular spot in your meal rotation!

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Pasta:

1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, season chicken, and cook until golden. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, then add cream and broth. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
Cook the Pasta: Add tortellini to the sauce and cook as per package instructions. Add chicken back in.
Finish the Dish: Stir in spinach until wilted. Simmer briefly. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Notes

For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving alternative.
Best served immediately; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American