Save A comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce.
This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it comes together quickly and tastes like you spent hours cooking.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Protein: 500 g (1 lb) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated), 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 300 g / 10 oz) diced
- Vegetables: 120 g (4 cups) fresh baby spinach, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk, 60 g (2/3 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan for serving, Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 6 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 2 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Step 5:
- Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and spinach to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for 1 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Save My family always asks for seconds when I make this dish, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser at our dinner table.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Cutting board and knife, Wooden spoon or spatula, Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese, cream, butter), Wheat (tortellini unless gluten-free variety used), Egg (in tortellini). May contain tree nuts if pesto tortellini is used. Always check labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories ~590, Total Fat 28 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 34 g
Save This creamy chicken and spinach tortellini is an easy and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Kitchen Help
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Dice the chicken into uniform pieces and sauté over medium-high heat until just cooked through to retain moisture and tenderness.
- → Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Kale or Swiss chard work well as alternatives and can be added at the same stage to wilt gently in the sauce.
- → What type of cheese is best for a rich sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan offers a nutty, creamy depth that melts smoothly into the heavy cream base.
- → Is it important to cook tortellini al dente?
Yes, cooking tortellini al dente helps maintain its shape and provides the perfect firmness to complement the creamy sauce.
- → How can I add a little heat to this dish?
A pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled in the sauce adds gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare components like the sauce and chicken in advance and combine them before serving.