There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy pasta dish that delivers flavor, richness, and coziness all in one bowl. Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese does exactly that. It’s the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome, thanks to the pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, tender chicken, a lush garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and handfuls of fresh spinach.

Whether you’re in the mood for a one-pan weeknight dinner or planning a meal that impresses without stress, this recipe delivers. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s a fantastic choice for when you want something satisfying but don’t feel like being stuck in the kitchen all night.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortellini

This dish is a triple win: it’s hearty, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. The tortellini cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the garlicky, cheesy flavor as it simmers. The chicken adds protein to round out the meal, while the spinach sneaks in a pop of color and nutrients. And because the sauce is made from simple ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of cream, it tastes like something you’d get from a cozy Italian bistro.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini works best for this recipe. It has a quick cooking time and a soft, delicate texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you only have frozen tortellini, just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly and allow them to thaw a bit before adding to the pan. Avoid dried tortellini, as it tends to be too firm and takes much longer to cook, which could throw off the balance of the dish.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor. Using quality staples will elevate the whole experience, so don’t skimp on the cheese or the garlic.

Cheese tortellini
Boneless skinless chicken breast
Olive oil
Fresh spinach
Heavy cream
Garlic cloves
Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese 2

How To Make the Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Slowly add grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

Add the uncooked cheese tortellini directly into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs the garlic-Parmesan flavors.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Chicken Back In

Toss in fresh spinach and stir until just wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together, letting it heat through for another minute or two.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is creamy and clinging beautifully to every piece of tortellini, it’s ready to serve. Spoon it generously into bowls and top with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese

This dish is best enjoyed right after it’s made, when the tortellini is soft and the sauce is creamy and warm. It serves about 4 people as a main course, making it ideal for family dinners or a meal prep lunch rotation. The spinach brings in freshness, and the Parmesan topping adds just enough bite to complement the richness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate and lose its smooth consistency.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Tortellini?

Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Simple Side Salad

Keep things light and refreshing with a green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing.

Roasted Asparagus

The crisp texture and earthy flavor of roasted asparagus balance the richness of the creamy tortellini.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are a bright and simple pairing for this decadent dish.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

If you’re making this for a gathering, serve it with something light and protein-packed like this recipe for extra variety.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Doubling up on creamy pasta? This dish offers a tangy tomato twist that complements the garlicky tones of the tortellini.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, add a protein-packed side like crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken to round out the meal.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese, you’re in for a treat with more comforting and indulgent pasta dishes:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a tangy, velvety blend of tomatoes and greens.
Indulge in Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms for a one-pan dinner bursting with savory depth.
Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup packed with pasta shells and rich sausage flavor.
Lighten it up with Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a high-protein twist that still feels indulgent.
Or explore something hearty like One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a quick but satisfying crowd-pleaser.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you always have it ready on those busy evenings.

And if you try it, I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you swap the spinach for kale? Add mushrooms? Maybe a splash of white wine?

I’m always inspired by how readers make these dishes their own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and creamy pasta creations on Janet Dishes on Pinterest: Janet Dishes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Cheese is the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or making it to impress someone special, it’s a guaranteed win.