Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce and Protein
- 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
Garnish and Seasoning
- Chiffonade fresh basil for garnish
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini just until al dente, about 3-5 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a couple pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Stir frequently and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour a few splashes of chicken broth into the pan and use a spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth to the sauce.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and liquids: Stir in 3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 4 ounces freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Season again lightly with salt and pepper.
- Simmer and thicken sauce: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce comes to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer until it slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate vinegar and spinach: Stir in 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar and 1 cup fresh chopped spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken and tortellini: Fold in 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken and the cooked tortellini. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to warm up. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chiffonade fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy Tuscan flavors!
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Notes
- Using sun-dried tomato oil instead of olive oil can add extra depth and tomato flavor to the dish.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also use cooked chicken breast or thighs.
- For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free tortellini.
- If fresh Parmesan is unavailable, high-quality grated Parmesan from a container can be used but will slightly alter the flavor.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian