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- 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients for a creamy and rich meal. The cheese tortellini gives the dish its unique taste. Diced chicken breasts provide protein and flavor. Olive oil helps cook the chicken, while garlic adds a nice aroma. Heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese make the sauce smooth and rich. Fresh spinach gives a pop of color and nutrition. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper add depth to the taste. Finally, fresh parsley is perfect for garnish. You can switch up some ingredients based on what you like or have at home. {{ingredient_image_2}} - First, boil salted water in a large pot. - Add 12 oz of cheese tortellini to the pot. - Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes. - Once they are al dente, drain them in a colander and set aside. - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Carefully add 1 lb of diced chicken breasts to the skillet. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is golden brown. - Once the chicken is cooked, add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic to the skillet. - Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. - Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. - Gradually sprinkle 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. - Stir continuously until the cheese melts and forms a rich sauce. - Gently fold in the cooked tortellini and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. - Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is well coated. - Taste the dish, then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. To make a creamy sauce, start with low heat. This keeps the cream from curdling. Stir the sauce often. This helps blend the flavors well. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts better than pre-grated cheese. This gives your sauce a smooth texture. For tender chicken, cut it into even pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Don't rush the cooking. Cook the chicken until it's golden brown. To check if it's done, cut a piece in half. The inside should be white, not pink. To avoid overcooked tortellini, follow the package instructions closely. Cook it until it's al dente, which means firm to the bite. When draining, do it quickly to keep it from getting mushy. If you have leftovers, store the tortellini in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later meals. Pro Tips Perfect Tortellini: Make sure to cook the tortellini just until al dente; overcooking can make them too soft and mushy. Seasoning the Chicken: Don't skip seasoning the chicken well before cooking; it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Garlic Timing: Add the garlic after the chicken is cooked to prevent it from burning, which can create a bitter taste. Spinach Freshness: For the best color and texture, add the spinach at the end of cooking, just enough to wilt it slightly. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it for a few minutes until it turns pink. Tofu is a great option for plant-based diets. Use firm tofu, and cook it until golden brown for the best taste. You can add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the sauce. They bring bright flavors to the dish. If you want to experiment, try different cheese types. Gouda or fontina can add a unique twist to your creamy sauce. Mixing in some cream cheese can also enhance the richness. Seasonal veggies are a great way to change this dish. Try adding asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and taste. You can also toss in leafy greens like kale or arugula. Just add them in with the spinach to let them wilt nicely. To keep your creamy Parmesan chicken tortellini fresh, follow these tips: - Let the dish cool down to room temperature. - Use airtight containers to store the leftovers. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. - Consume within three days for the best taste. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers works well. They help keep the flavors intact. You can freeze creamy Parmesan chicken tortellini for later enjoyment. Here’s how to do it correctly: - First, let the dish cool completely. - Portion it into freezer-safe containers. - Label each container with the date and contents. - Store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! Yes, frozen tortellini works great in this recipe. First, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the frozen tortellini directly to the boiling water. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it floats to the top. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside. This method keeps it easy and quick. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer gluten-free versions made from rice, corn, or other grains. Always check the package for cooking times. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy goodness without the gluten. I recommend serving this dish with a side salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is perfect. You can also pair it with garlic bread for a delicious meal. These sides balance the creamy flavors and add freshness to your plate. This article covers the joy of making Creamy Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. You learned about the key ingredients, like cheese tortellini, chicken, and heavy cream. The step-by-step guide helps you cook perfectly. Tips shared ensure creamy sauces and tender chicken. You can even explore variations to suit your taste. In the end, this dish is simple and delicious. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Delight

A rich and creamy dish featuring cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a Parmesan cream 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 into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Tortellini: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the cheese tortellini and cook as per the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture, typically around 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain them in a colander and set them aside.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the diced chicken to the skillet and season it with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Incorporate Garlic: As soon as the chicken is thoroughly cooked, introduce the minced garlic into the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavor.
  • Prepare the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a rich and creamy sauce.
  • Combine Everything: Gently fold in the cooked tortellini and the chopped spinach into the skillet. Toss all the ingredients together until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is thoroughly coated in the luxurious cream sauce.
  • Serve: Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve the dish hot, elegantly garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley atop for a pop of color.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley.
Keyword chicken, creamy, parmesan, tortellini