Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

Grab a glass of wine, my friend, because I’ve got a truly delicious dish to share with you today: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini. This recipe holds a special place in my heart—it's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress anyone at your table. Picture a rainy evening, and the scent of garlic and creamy goodness wafting through your kitchen. It makes you feel right at home, doesn’t it? Trust me, once you start making this dish, it'll be on your weekly rotation.

Why you'll love this recipe

Now, let's talk about why you absolutely need to try this. Imagine a fusion of flavors that dances on your tongue: the creamy sauce, the savory rotisserie chicken, and that hint of tang from the balsamic vinegar—it all comes together in harmony. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, earthy note, while the spinach brings a burst of freshness. And can we take a moment to appreciate those cheese tortellini? They’re little pockets of happiness, which pair perfectly with the rich sauce.

Not to mention, this dish is a total time-saver! With just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for busy evenings. And here's the kicker: it satisfies your cravings for comfort food without requiring hours in the kitchen. It's like having a hearty meal that gives you a warm hug, all piled high on a plate. So why not whip this up tonight?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s go shopping! You won't need anything too extravagant, just some good-quality ingredients that pack a punch.

• 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the show! Opt for fresh, cheese-filled tortellini for a burst of creamy goodness in every bite. You can swap it for spinach tortellini if you're in the mood for an extra veggie boost.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil): Use good olive oil, or go for the sun-dried tomato oil if you've got it—this adds a layer of flavor that’s simply sublime.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its Italian flair; think of it as an aromatic shortcut!

• 6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a miracle worker in savory dishes, so don’t be shy—this will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma.

• 3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: These bad boys add a sweet and tangy richness that totally elevates the sauce.

• 1/2 cup chicken stock (or chicken broth): This is your base for that luscious sauce. Feel free to use vegetable broth if you're looking for a vegetarian twist.

• 2 cups heavy cream: Ah, the cream—the magic ingredient that turns a simple sauce into something truly decadent.

• 4 ounces freshly shredded Parmesan plus more for garnish: Freshly shredded is key here; it melts beautifully and brings a nutty flavor to the dish.

• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Just a splash to balance the creaminess and add a zing that pop.

• 1 cup fresh chopped spinach: Fresh greens are where it’s at. They'll wilt beautifully and give the dish a nice touch of color.

• 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: The shortcut you didn’t know you needed! It's juicy, tender, and adds so much flavor without the fuss of cooking chicken from scratch.

• Chiffonade fresh basil for garnish: This is the finishing touch! A little basil will brighten it all up.

• Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Always season to taste! They'll enhance all the other flavors.

Preparing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

Ready to dive in? Let’s make this creamy goodness come to life in just a few simple steps!

1. Cook the tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook just until al dente—about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them firm yet tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté and spice: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant.

3. De-glaze the pan: Add a few splashes of chicken broth to the pan, scraping up those delightful browned bits at the bottom. This step is where the magic happens!

4. Make the sauce: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, remaining chicken broth, and shredded Parmesan. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Let it all cook for a couple of minutes over medium-low heat until the cheese is melty and everything is combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to let it bubble until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Add the greens: Toss in the balsamic vinegar and chopped spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.

6. Incorporate the chicken and pasta: Now, add your rotisserie chicken and cooked tortellini, stirring everything together for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

7. Taste and adjust: This is your chance to check the seasoning! Add more salt and pepper if needed.

8. Garnish and serve: Finish it off with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you've created this masterpiece, let’s talk presentation! Serve it in shallow bowls to highlight those gorgeous colors. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of a good quality olive oil on top can elevate the dish visually. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crunchy garlic bread, and you have a meal fit for royalty!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! You can store this creamy delight in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. If you want to freeze it, do so without the tortellini or spinach—they tend not to freeze well. Instead, freeze the sauce and cook fresh tortellini when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Pro chef tips

1. Choose your tortellini wisely: Fresh is best! If you can find homemade tortellini at a local market, it will take the dish to another level.

2. Toast the garlic: Don't rush it! Allow the garlic to only turn golden; burnt garlic can change the dish’s flavor dramatically.

3. Play with herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, throw in a bit of thyme or oregano. They'll enhance that Italian touch.

4. Make it veggie-friendly: Swap the chicken for white beans or more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian option.

5. Extra creaminess: For an even richer experience, consider stirring in some cream cheese right before adding the pasta.

Creative Twists

Feeling inspired? Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Add some heat: Toss in red pepper flakes during the sautéing process if you love a bit of spice.
• Cheese overload: Mix different cheeses into the sauce, like goat cheese or mozzarella, for an extra cheesy bite.
• Try different proteins: Swap out the rotisserie chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein to cater to dietary preferences.

Ingredient list

• 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken stock (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 ounces freshly shredded Parmesan plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup fresh chopped spinach
• 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• Chiffonade fresh basil for garnish
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Directions to follow

1. Boil a pot of salted water. Cook the tortellini until al dente, about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to de-glaze.
5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. Cook until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
6. Add balsamic vinegar and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts.
7. Mix in rotisserie chicken and tortellini until warmed.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan.

Your questions answered

1. How long does this take to make?
   About 30 minutes total, so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal!

2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
   Absolutely! Just cook them according to the package instructions, and follow the recipe as usual.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   You could use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream option, but the sauce might not be as rich.

4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Yes! It stores well in the fridge, but make sure to keep pasta separate if possible.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Sure! Just opt for gluten-free tortellini and check your other ingredients for gluten content.

I hope this brings you as much joy as it has given me over the years. You’ve got all the tools to make a comforting bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Tortellini, so don’t hesitate! Experiment, have fun, and let your cooking flair shine through. And please, share your experiences and tweaks in the comments—I love hearing your stories! Happy cooking!