Save A comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce.
I first served this to my family on a chilly evening and it instantly became a 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.
Save This recipe brings back warm family memories of cozy dinners around the 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 approximately 590, Total Fat 28 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 34 g
Save This creamy chicken and spinach tortellini is sure to become a weeknight favorite that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, cheese-filled ravioli or other stuffed pastas work well as substitutes to maintain the creamy texture.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish with rotisserie chicken?
Using rotisserie chicken can save time and still provide tender, flavorful chicken in the dish.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the cream sauce gently a bit longer to reduce and thicken, or add a small amount of grated Parmesan gradually.
- → Can I swap spinach with another green vegetable?
Kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives and provide a similar earthy flavor and texture.
- → What wine pairs well with this creamy chicken and tortellini?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the richness and balances the creamy flavors.