Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Spinach Creamy, Bold, and Comforting
Enjoy this creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini! Juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a buttery garlic sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 (20 oz) package frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Season & Sear the Chicken:
- Slice chicken into strips or bite-sized chunks.
- Toss with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic:
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
4️⃣ Cook the Tortellini:
- Add frozen tortellini and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook 5–7 minutes until tender.
5️⃣ Add Cheese & Spinach:
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted (~2 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
6️⃣ Combine Everything:
- Return chicken to the skillet, stir to coat, and simmer 1–2 minutes until hot.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Tender but firm is perfect.
- Spice Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Extra Creamy: Add a spoonful of cream cheese if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Creamy, cheesy, and a little spicy
- Hearty and comforting—perfect for dinner
- One-pan recipe = minimal cleanup
Nutrition Info (approx. per serving):
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQ:
- Fresh tortellini? Reduce cooking time slightly.
- Make ahead? Prep sauce and chicken, reheat gently before serving.
- Add more veggies? Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers work great.
Flavor Twists:
- Tuscan Twist: Sun-dried tomatoes, kale instead of spinach
- Lemon Garlic Boost: Lemon zest and juice
- Smoky Kick: Use smoked paprika or roasted peppers
CTA:
Make this creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini tonight and share your skillet masterpiece with friends! Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals
