Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

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Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is the kind of comfort food that wraps you up in a hug after a long day. The silky sauce clings to every fold of the tortellini, the garlic adds a mellow richness, and the spinach folds in just enough freshness to balance out the creamy cheese and chicken. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and quick enough to pull off on a busy weeknight.

The blend of flavors here is exactly what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. Juicy bits of chicken breast, tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, and a sauce so luscious you’ll want to swipe every drop off the plate with crusty bread. It has that restaurant-level flavor with a home-cooked soul—and the best part? It comes together in one skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

This dish brings together the best of everything: the ease of a one-pan meal, the heartiness of chicken and pasta, and the luxuriousness of a creamy garlic cheese sauce. It hits the spot when you’re craving something cozy, but still want greens tucked in there for balance. The garlic isn’t overpowering—it’s mellowed and sweetened through the cooking process, pairing beautifully with the Parmesan. And spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding a pop of color and a touch of earthy flavor.

It also reheats well, which means tomorrow’s lunch is already sorted. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this meal is impressive but fuss-free.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini works beautifully in this recipe because it cooks fast and stays tender. You can also use frozen tortellini—just adjust the cooking time a bit longer and make sure it doesn’t overcook in the sauce. If you’re lucky enough to find fresh tortellini at your local market or make it yourself, go for it. Chicken tortellini or even spinach and ricotta variations can work here too if you want more protein or a deeper green note. The key is to choose tortellini that holds up well to the creamy sauce without getting too soft.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

This comforting pasta dish is all about simple ingredients that come together to create bold, creamy flavors. Each component plays a key role in the overall texture and richness, so use the freshest you can find for best results.

• Chicken breast
• Cheese tortellini
• Fresh spinach
• Garlic cloves
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

The chicken breast provides lean protein and soaks up flavor from the garlic-Parmesan sauce. Cheese tortellini brings that comforting pasta bite and a built-in cheesy kick. Fresh spinach wilts down to add color and a fresh note that lightens the dish. Garlic cloves add warmth and depth while Parmesan cheese offers that nutty, salty punch. Heavy cream and chicken broth form the luscious base of the sauce, enriched by the butter and olive oil for smoothness. Italian seasoning rounds everything out with a herby backdrop, and if you like a little spice, red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat.

How To Make the Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from pan and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. This infuses the butter with that delicious garlicky aroma.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Let it melt into the sauce to thicken it.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Add the tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Let them cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Chicken

Once the tortellini are nearly done, stir in the spinach until wilted. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan. Let everything warm through for a minute or two.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top and crusty bread on the side.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

This creamy chicken tortellini dish is best served straight from the skillet, hot and fresh, with steam rising and sauce bubbling gently. It makes a complete meal on its own, but don’t underestimate the magic of a side of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that garlic-Parmesan sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a salty, nutty finish that really makes the flavors pop.

This recipe feeds about four people generously. If you’re cooking for fewer, you’ll be happy to know that leftovers store beautifully. Let any extra cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, a splash of milk or cream will help loosen the sauce and bring it back to its silky best.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Tortellini?

A Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a light, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

The toasty edges of roasted broccoli bring texture and contrast, plus extra greens never hurt.

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with garlic bread. It mirrors the garlicky flavors of the pasta and gives you something to soak up all that creamy sauce.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc brightens the meal and cuts through the creaminess.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Their sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savory chicken and cheese.

Caprese Skewers

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing, bite-sized side.

Lemon Asparagus

Sautéed or roasted, asparagus with a touch of lemon brings springy brightness.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and buttery mushrooms add a warm umami note that complements the Parmesan sauce.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese, you might want to check out these other comforting, creamy favorites from the Luna Meals collection:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a smoky and savory twist on creamy pasta.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with deep umami flavor in every bite.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine if you’re craving bold buttery flavor with heat.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a unique and indulgent lasagna experience.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta if you like a little spice with your creaminess.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Try a different kind of tortellini? Add more spinach?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese brings everything you love about comfort food into one easy skillet meal. It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and has enough greens to keep it feeling fresh. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a weeknight meal for the whole family, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

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