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- 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - Fresh parsley, chopped {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a few pinches of salt to the water. Turn the heat to high and wait until it boils. Once the water bubbles, add in the cheese tortellini. Cook the tortellini for about 3-5 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. When done, drain the tortellini and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and put it on medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. This step gives the chicken a nice flavor. Now, reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well to mix it with the chicken. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. You want the cheese to melt fully and create a creamy sauce. Keep stirring until you reach a smooth consistency. It’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked tortellini and 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything gently so the spinach wilts and the tortellini gets coated in the creamy sauce. Make sure every piece is covered well for the best flavor. To avoid overcooking tortellini, follow these steps. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This adds flavor. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini. Watch the time closely. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes. Check for doneness a minute early. You want them al dente, firm but not hard. Drain them right away to stop the cooking. Rinse briefly under cold water if needed. This helps them stay perfect for your creamy dish. To boost the flavor of your dish, consider adding some spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. Try fresh basil or oregano for a garden taste. You can also mix in some lemon zest for brightness. These flavors pair well with the creamy sauce. Feel free to experiment. Each spice can change the dish in fun ways! When serving Creamy Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, think about the best sides. A fresh green salad works well. Use a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. You might also serve it with garlic bread. The crunchy bread complements the soft tortellini. For a heartier meal, add steamed vegetables. Broccoli or green beans are great choices. They add color and nutrients. Enjoy your meal with family and friends! Pro Tips Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Ensure you cook the tortellini just until al dente for the best texture, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more aromatic flavor than pre-minced garlic, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth, which will still keep the dish flavorful. Season Gradually: Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning gradually. This ensures you achieve the perfect balance of flavors without over-seasoning. {{image_2}} You can change up the recipe with different pasta types. If you can’t find cheese tortellini, try using ravioli or fettuccine. These options still hold the creamy sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. You might also want to swap proteins. Instead of chicken, use diced turkey or shrimp. Both options cook quickly and soak up the sauce nicely. For a vegetarian twist, use mushrooms or tofu. They add great texture and flavor to the dish. To make this dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This change cuts down on calories but keeps a creamy texture. You can also use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese for less fat. If you need a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a unique flavor and creamy feel. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. Adding seasonal vegetables can enhance the recipe. In spring, toss in fresh asparagus or peas. Both add color and crunch. In summer, consider cherry tomatoes or zucchini. They bring a burst of freshness. In fall, you might add roasted butternut squash for a sweet touch. In winter, kale or Brussels sprouts can provide heartiness. These changes keep your dish exciting and vibrant all year round. To keep your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Tortellini fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Refrigerate it within two hours after cooking. Properly stored, it will last for up to three days. Make sure to label containers with the date for easy tracking. To reheat the tortellini without losing its creaminess, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream while warming. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. Stir gently to combine everything well. You can also use the microwave, but cover the bowl to prevent drying out. Heat in short intervals, stirring often. If you want to freeze this dish, first cool it completely. Use a freezer-safe container for storage. It’s best to freeze in individual portions for easy meals later. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Avoid refreezing after thawing to maintain quality. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the cheese tortellini for gluten-free tortellini. You can find this option at most grocery stores. Check the label to ensure it fits your needs. If you cannot find gluten-free tortellini, you can use gluten-free pasta, like penne or fusilli. Cook it according to the package instructions. The rest of the recipe remains the same. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the tortellini and chicken as directed. Once you make the creamy sauce, allow it to cool. Store the chicken, tortellini, and sauce separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat everything together in a skillet. Add a splash of cream if it seems thick. I recommend serving this dish with a simple green salad. A fresh Caesar salad pairs nicely, too. Garlic bread makes a tasty side that everyone loves. You can also add sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition. Consider steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. These sides complement the creamy flavors well. This recipe covers all you need for Creamy Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. We explored key ingredients like cheese tortellini, chicken, and a rich cream sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking easy and fun. You learned tips to enhance flavors and ways to adjust the dish for your diet. Storing and reheating leftovers was also explained for your convenience. Now, you're ready to impress at your next meal with this creamy delight. Enjoy the flavors and make it your own!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

A delicious and creamy dish featuring cheese tortellini, chicken, and spinach in a rich Parmesan sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.
  • Add the cooked tortellini and chopped spinach into the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach is wilted and the tortellini is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Keyword chicken, creamy, Parmesan, pasta, tortellini