Pin A comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce.
I first served this creamy chicken and spinach tortellini on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) cheese tortellini: fresh or refrigerated
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts: about 300 g / 10 oz, diced
- 120 g (4 cups) fresh baby spinach:
- 1 small yellow onion: finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 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
- 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.
Pin This recipe always reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone asks for seconds and laughter fills the room.
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
Calories ~590, Total Fat 28 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 34 g per serving.
Pin Enjoy this rich and flavorful dish with your loved ones and savor every creamy bite.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard can be used instead of spinach for a different texture and flavor.
- → What’s the best way to cook the chicken to keep it tender?
Sauté diced chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes; avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- → How do I ensure the sauce is creamy and smooth?
Simmer the cream and milk gently before adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese and herbs, stirring until the cheese melts fully into the sauce.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh to preserve the sauce’s texture and the spinach’s vibrancy, but leftovers can be gently reheated with a splash of milk.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the richness and freshness of the garlic-Parmesan sauce and spinach.