Name: Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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), plus a few splashes more as needed; 2 cups heavy cream; 4 ounces freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, 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, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 20 reviews

If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender cheese tortellini with juicy rotisserie chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce, it brings the rich flavors of Tuscany right into your kitchen. The fresh spinach and basil add brightness and color, making every bite a delightful balance of indulgence and freshness. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with two handles is placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, several ingredients form visible layers: a large pool of light brown liquid fills the bottom, mixed with green dried herbs sprinkled around the edges. On top of the liquid, there is a pile of shredded white cheese to the left, a mound of dark red chopped sun-dried tomatoes with bits of nuts on the right, and a smaller patch of white creamy sauce sits above the cheese and tomatoes. Some black pepper is sprinkled between the cheese and sauce layers. The ingredients are unmixed, showing clear separation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, yet flavorful ingredients is the key to nailing this Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy Parmesan and aromatic garlic to the sun-dried tomatoes adding tang and depth, plus the fresh spinach that brings that lovely pop of green and nutrition.

10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini: Choose fresh tortellini for a tender, satisfying texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil): Adds a fragrant base and richness when sautéing the garlic and spices.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the sauce with classic Tuscan flavors.
6 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of the dish, delivering a warm, aromatic punch.
3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Offers tangy sweetness and a burst of color, elevating the sauce’s complexity.
1/2 cup chicken stock (or chicken broth): Adds subtle savory depth and helps build the sauce.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy base that makes this recipe so comforting.
4 ounces freshly shredded Parmesan (plus extra for garnish): Builds a salty, nutty richness that ties everything together.
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: A splash of acidity that balances the creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly.
1 cup fresh chopped spinach: Adds freshness, vibrant color, and a mild earthy flavor.
1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient and flavorful protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
Chiffonade fresh basil for garnish: Bright, herbal notes to finish the dish beautifully.
Kosher salt & fresh cracked black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini Just Until Al Dente

Begin by boiling your refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package instructions, but stop cooking once they’re just tender to the bite. This ensures they hold their shape and texture when they simmer gently in the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Italian Seasoning

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir frequently for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—this step builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan with Chicken Broth

Add a few splashes of chicken broth to the pan, scraping up all the caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are flavor gold and will enrich the sauce immensely.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, remaining chicken broth, and shredded Parmesan cheese, along with a few more pinches of salt and pepper. Let the sauce cook over medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken, creating that irresistibly creamy texture.

Step 5: Add Balsamic Vinegar and Spinach

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the balsamic vinegar and chopped fresh spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts, adding a fresh burst of color and subtle flavor that balances the richness beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Tortellini

Finally, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the cooked tortellini. Allow everything to warm through for a couple of minutes while tasting and adjusting salt and pepper to your liking. This melds all the ingredients perfectly into one harmonious dish.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

A white pot contains a creamy sauce with visible green herbs and specks of seasoning, filling the base. On the left side of the pot, there is a pile of shredded white chicken meat with a soft texture. On the right side, a layer of well-formed yellow tortellini pasta rests on the sauce, showing its folded and slightly ruffled edges. The pot has white handles and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil chiffonade and a grating of extra Parmesan cheese. These simple garnishes add color, brightness, and an inviting aroma that will have everyone eager to dig in.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to sop up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables also make an excellent, wholesome accompaniment that complements the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished elegantly with basil and Parmesan. Alternatively, present it family-style in a beautiful ceramic dish right in the center of the table to encourage sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making the next meal just as delicious.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen for up to two months. Use a freezer-safe container, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce may slightly change upon thawing, so gently reheat it with a splash of cream or broth.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently to prevent curdling and adding a little broth or cream if needed to revive the sauce’s lush texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, for the best flavor and consistency.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook chicken breasts or thighs separately, shred them, and add them at the same step. Rotisserie chicken just offers a time-saving shortcut and added seasoning.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Alternatively, a cashew cream can make a good dairy-free substitute.

Is it okay to use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, but cooking times will vary, so adjust accordingly. Fresh tortellini gives a softer, more tender bite that pairs perfectly with the silky sauce.

Can I add vegetables to make it healthier?

Definitely! You can toss in mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture without overpowering the Tuscan flavors.

How spicy is this Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe?

This recipe is mild and flavorful, focusing on herbs and creamy richness rather than heat. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting yet impressive dish that comes together quickly, the Tuscan Chicken Tortellini Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s indulgent, packed with flavor, and easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests. I’m confident once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple that you reach for again and again—bon appétit!