🍝 Creamy Tuscan Tortellini with Chicken
One-Pan Dinner | Cozy & Creamy | 30-Minute Meal
This Tuscan-style dish is pure comfort food—a luscious, garlicky cream sauce hugging cheese-filled tortellini, tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach. It’s a one-pan wonder perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for guests. Quick, creamy, and utterly delicious!
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
⭐ Total Time: 30 minutes
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (drained if packed in oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly. - Cook the Tortellini
While the sauce simmers, cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken, tortellini, and spinach to the skillet. Toss gently until spinach wilts and everything is coated in the creamy sauce. - Taste & Serve
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top, if desired.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Don’t overcook tortellini: Slightly underdone is better so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in sauce.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk or pasta water to thin it.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add extra flavor but make sure to drain them well.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Want it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or artichokes.
🍽️ Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
(Note: Nutritional values vary depending on specific brands and ingredients.)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Protein-Packed: Chicken and cheese tortellini provide excellent protein for muscle repair.
- Spinach Power: Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A & C.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and cream offer energy and support hormone function.
- Tomato Antioxidants: Sun-dried tomatoes are full of lycopene for heart and skin health.
- Comfort Food Without the Fuss: A nourishing, balanced dish that feels indulgent.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It reheats well. Add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Absolutely. Just cook according to the package before adding to the sauce.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Use half-and-half or a mix of cream cheese and milk for a lighter version.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat slowly and stir often to keep the sauce smooth.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Try coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, but keep in mind it will change the flavor.
Let me know if you’d like a printable recipe card, meal prep version, or graphic post for sharing!