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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (if large leaves) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) For this dish, I recommend choosing high-quality ingredients. Fresh tortellini adds a soft texture that elevates the meal. If you prefer frozen, just ensure they're not stuck together. The garlic should be minced finely for a strong flavor. I use fresh Parmesan cheese, as it melts better and gives a richer taste. Heavy cream is essential for that creamy finish, but you can substitute it with a lighter option if needed. When it comes to seasonings, Italian seasoning blends well with the dish. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh spinach not only adds color but also nutrients. Finally, the parsley makes for a great garnish. It brightens the dish and adds a burst of freshness. This combination of ingredients creates a delightful meal. You can tweak the recipe based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness! - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Carefully add the tortellini. - Cook according to the package directions. - Drain the tortellini and set aside. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. - Watch closely to prevent burning. - Add cubed chicken to the skillet. - Sprinkle in Italian seasoning blend. - Stir and cook until chicken is warmed through. - Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. - Stir gently and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - This enhances all the warm flavors. - Slowly whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. - Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. - Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. - Mix in the fresh spinach. - Fold everything together until spinach wilts. - Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper. - Remove from heat and plate the dish. - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. - Timing for cooking tortellini: Follow the package instructions for perfect pasta. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen, typically around 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it stays tender and doesn’t overcook. - Avoiding burnt garlic: Garlic can go from golden to burnt very fast. Sauté it for only about 1 minute until it smells good. If it starts to brown too much, lower your heat immediately to save the flavor. - Alternatives for heavy cream: If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a vegan option, try canned coconut milk or cashew cream for creaminess. - Options for tortellini flavors: Cheese tortellini works great, but you can try spinach or mushroom tortellini for extra flavor. Each option adds its own twist to the dish. - Serving ideas for an appealing dish: Use shallow pasta bowls for a nice look. Drizzle some olive oil on top and sprinkle with extra Parmesan for flair. - Pairing with garlic bread: Serve this tortellini with warm garlic bread on the side. The crunch of the bread adds a nice texture to your meal. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the flavors in this dish. Adding mushrooms gives a nice earthy taste. Just sauté them with the garlic for a rich flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes also add a sweet and tangy kick. They can brighten the whole dish. Want to try different proteins? Shrimp cooks fast and adds a seafood flair. Just toss them in the skillet until they turn pink. Sausage can also work well. Slice it thin and brown it first for a bold flavor. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer this choice now. You can still enjoy that creamy sauce with no worries. For dairy-free options, try using coconut cream or cashew cream. These can give you that creaminess you crave without dairy. Are you vegan? Use plant-based proteins, like chickpeas or tofu. For the sauce, blend soaked cashews with garlic and nutritional yeast. This makes a rich, creamy base that fits right in. To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and flavors in. It’s best to consume leftovers within three days. After that, the taste may not be as good. Freezing this dish is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. Heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until it warms through. You can also add a splash of cream if it seems too thick. Enjoy your meal again with great taste! To make creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini, you start by cooking the tortellini in salted water. Drain it when tender. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add cubed cooked chicken and Italian seasoning, cooking until warm. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Finally, fold in the tortellini and spinach, mixing until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just cook it according to the package instructions. Make sure to add it to boiling water directly from the freezer. This will save you time and still give great flavor. Always drain excess water after cooking to keep the dish creamy. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try these options: - Half-and-half for a lighter creaminess - Greek yogurt for a tangy twist - Coconut milk for a dairy-free option - Silken tofu blended until smooth for a vegan choice This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Always let it cool down before sealing. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure it is heated all the way through before enjoying. You can serve this dish with many sides: - A fresh green salad for crunch - Garlic bread for extra flavor - Roasted vegetables for a healthy touch - Steamed broccoli for added nutrition Each of these options complements the creamy tortellini well! This blog post covered everything you need to make creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini. From gathering the right ingredients to step-by-step cooking tips, you now have a full picture. Remember to experiment with add-ins like mushrooms or shrimp to customize your dish. Storing leftovers properly ensures you enjoy this meal multiple times. Keep your pantry stocked, and you'll have a quick meal ready whenever you need it. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your table.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Savor the richness of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini dish that’s sure to impress! With tender cheese tortellini, savory cubed chicken, and a luxurious cream sauce, this quick recipe transforms dinner into a gourmet experience in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s a must-try! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious meal to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed

12 oz cheese tortellini (can use fresh or frozen)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped if large leaves

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions until tender. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside, allowing any excess water to escape.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

      Heat Chicken and Season: Add the cubed cooked chicken breast to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and continue cooking until the chicken is warmed through, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

        Create the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to a simmer and gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to mix. Allow the cream to simmer for 2-3 minutes, bringing out the warm flavors.

          Incorporate Parmesan: Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy.

            Combine Tortellini and Spinach: Carefully add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, followed by the fresh spinach. Gently fold everything together until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.

              Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.

                Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. For an appealing presentation, plate the creamy tortellini and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Consider serving in shallow pasta bowls and drizzle a bit of extra olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for that finishing touch. Add a slice of garlic bread on the side for a delightful meal experience!