Description
This comforting pasta dish features tender chicken, cheese-stuffed tortellini, baby spinach, and a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s a one-pan weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add tortellini to the sauce and cook according to package directions (usually 4–6 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the tortellini is tender, stir in spinach and cooked chicken. Let spinach wilt and heat chicken through.
- If using, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, cover for 1–2 minutes to melt.
- Garnish with parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though sauce may be thinner.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg