Italian Parmesan Chicken Tortellini – A Creamy One-Pot Italian Dream

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen, Italian Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is your new go-to dinner recipe. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish brings together tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and soft cheese-filled tortellini in one skillet for the ultimate weeknight indulgence.

Perfectly balanced between decadent and easy, this dish captures everything we love about Italian comfort food — hearty, savory, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner, hosting a cozy date night, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
• Creamy & Comforting: A luscious Parmesan sauce coats every tortellini.
• One Pan Magic: Fewer dishes to wash, more time to relax.
• Kid-Friendly: Mild and cheesy flavors that please even picky eaters.
• Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or swap proteins easily.

This Italian-inspired dish offers a delightful fusion of creamy Alfredo-like flavor with the hearty chew of cheese-stuffed tortellini. It’s an instant family favorite that makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy trattoria.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Tortellini

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
5. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom — that’s where the flavor is!
7. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
8. Add cheese tortellini directly into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium and let the tortellini cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and coated in sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything
9. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring well.
10. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and creamy.
11. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
12. Fold in spinach (if using) and let it wilt gently into the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
14. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Italian Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Creamy one-pot Italian Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and rich Parmesan cream sauce — an easy weeknight comfort meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast diced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 9 oz cheese tortellini refrigerated
• 1 cup baby spinach optional
• 1 tbsp butter
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Grater

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until golden brown.
2. Remove chicken and set aside. Melt butter in the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add tortellini, cooking until tender and sauce thickens, about 7 minutes.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add spinach if desired.
6. Season to taste, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or swap cream for half-and-half for a lighter option.

Serve immediately while hot, with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Tortellini Dish

1. Use Fresh Tortellini:
Refrigerated cheese tortellini gives the best texture and flavor. Avoid overcooking — they only need a few minutes!

2. Fresh Parmesan Matters:
Grate your Parmesan from a block for smooth melting and deep flavor. Pre-grated varieties can make the sauce grainy.

3. Adjust Sauce Consistency:
If the sauce thickens while standing, add a few tablespoons of broth or milk before serving.

4. Add Vegetables for Color & Nutrition:
Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers make a lovely addition to this creamy dish.

5. Make It Spicy:
Sprinkle red pepper flakes or stir in a teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste for a fiery kick.

Variations

Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini:
Add 2 tablespoons of basil pesto to the sauce for a herby, aromatic twist.

Sun-Dried Tomato Version:
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce.

Mushroom Lovers’ Delight:
Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding cream for an earthy, hearty variation.

Lighter Version:
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use grilled chicken breast strips to reduce calories while keeping flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the richness.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy, cheesy flavors beautifully.
• For Family Dinners: Serve it family-style in a large serving dish and let everyone dig in!

Storage & Reheating

To Store:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

To Reheat:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the pasta.

To Freeze:
Although fresh tortellini freezes well, this creamy sauce can separate after freezing. For best results, prepare the sauce fresh and freeze only the cooked chicken and tortellini separately.

Fun Facts About Tortellini

• Origin Story: Legend says tortellini was inspired by the goddess Venus — an innkeeper glimpsed her navel and created pasta shaped like it!
• Symbol of Bologna: Tortellini hails from the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy, known as the pasta capital of the world.
• Stuffing Tradition: Traditional fillings include pork, cheese, or a blend of meats, though modern versions often use creamy cheeses like ricotta.
• Pairing Tip: Italians typically serve tortellini “in brodo” (in broth), but creamy versions like this are beloved internationally.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and pillowy tortellini brings harmony to every bite. The starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, while Parmesan deepens the umami flavor. The one-pan cooking method locks in flavor, ensuring every tortellini is perfectly coated in rich, velvety sauce.

It’s everything you want in an Italian-inspired meal — comforting, aromatic, and irresistibly satisfying.