Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for a soul-warming, restaurant-worthy pasta dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, juicy bites of chicken, and velvety ribbons of spinach all swirled in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, finished with a shower of fresh herbs. Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of cheesy comfort and fresh green vibrancy, making this a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce so irresistible is its clever combination of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an essential part, contributing depth, creaminess, or a pop of color that brings this meal to life. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Cheese tortellini: The star of the show, these plump pasta parcels provide cheesy richness and a tender bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity base for sautéing the chicken, infusing the dish with subtle Mediterranean flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Quick-cooking and lean, it brings hearty protein and soaks up all those creamy, garlicky notes.
- Garlic: Three cloves infuse the sauce with deliciously bold, aromatic depth.
- Baby spinach: Lends a burst of color and a fresh, delicate earthiness that balances the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, silky sauce that clings to every bite.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the cream and intensifies the savory background flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness for extra indulgence.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer, making the other flavors pop.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, it finishes the dish with a fresh, herby lift.
How to Make Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Begin your journey to pure comfort food by boiling your cheese tortellini according to the package directions. This only takes a few minutes—just enough time to start prepping the rest of your ingredients. Once they’re al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. The tortellini will soak up all the creamy sauce later, so don’t worry if they cool down a bit.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle the olive oil and add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for that unmistakable herby aroma. Let the chicken cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Scoop the chicken out and set it aside—you’ll be welcoming it back soon!
Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Base
Reduce the heat to medium and toss your minced garlic into the same skillet. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown!). Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to blend. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, filling your kitchen with the most tantalizing aroma.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Spinach
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, stirring until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce. Next, add the baby spinach and let it wilt down for a minute or two. The spinach melts into the sauce, adding color and freshness that brightens the whole dish.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the sautéed chicken and cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss to coat every piece in that irresistible creamy sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes, just until heated through and perfectly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil can take your Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce to the next level.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it loves some simple sides. Try pairing it with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce, or a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus are lovely, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy presentation, serve your Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce in shallow pasta bowls with a twist of freshly ground black pepper over the top. Or, for a family-style meal, bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone help themselves—nothing says cozy comfort like a bubbling skillet of cheesy pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce stores beautifully. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will mingle and deepen as they sit, making for an even tastier next-day lunch.
Freezing
While cream sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can freeze this tortellini dish if needed. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Just be careful not to overcook, as the pasta can become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If using frozen tortellini, just cook them according to the package instructions before proceeding with the recipe. They’ll work just as well and make Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce even more convenient.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you’re out of spinach or want to switch things up, try baby kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Just be sure to add heartier greens a minute or two earlier so they have time to wilt in the creamy sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! You can skip the chicken altogether or swap it for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced and delicious.
How can I make the sauce extra rich?
For an extra-luxurious sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the Parmesan and mozzarella. This trick makes the sauce even creamier and adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the tortellini and spinach.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce is a great candidate for meal prep! Cook as directed, let it cool, and portion into containers. It reheats well for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a skillet full of Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce—rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to some well-deserved comfort, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach in Creamy Sauce is a rich and comforting Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe blends creamy textures and savory flavors into one satisfying skillet meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Cooking & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions, typically 3–5 minutes, until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, mixing continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and drained tortellini to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the creamy sauce.
- Heat Through: Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat everything evenly and allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For extra richness and creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese into the sauce along with the Parmesan and mozzarella.
- You can substitute kale in place of spinach for a different texture and flavor.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
