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Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet with sundried tomatoes, parmesan, and a spicy kick—an easy 30-minute dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite trattoria.

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet with sundried tomatoes, parmesan, and a spicy kick—an easy 30-minute dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite trattoria.

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

Let’s get one thing straight: this spicy sundried tomato and spinach tortellini isn’t just dinner.. it’s a weeknight miracle sent from the pasta gods. Loaded with bold flavors, fresh spinach, parmesan, and a gentle kick of heat, it’s everything you need when “what’s for dinner?” feels like a personal attack. And yes, it comes together in under 30 minutes. (Insert mic drop here.)

This dish is equal parts creamy, spicy, and satisfying. My hubby literally thought I had picked this up from a fancy Italian joint the first time I made it. Nope, just me, a skillet, and a love affair with sundried tomatoes.

And let’s be real.. anything that starts with cheese-stuffed tortellini and ends with someone licking the pan is an automatic win.

spoonful of creamy tortellini with spinach and sundried tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tortellini Recipe

  • Fast and fabulous – 30 minutes from pantry to plate.
  • Restaurant-level flavor without putting on real pants.
  • Satisfies picky eaters (and spicy food lovers alike).
  • Customizable – throw in your favorite veggies or protein.
  • Pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread and a glass of red. Or both. Definitely both.

Looking for more quick, flavorful meals? Check out these other favorites from A Wicked Whisk like this luscious Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta or the one-pot dream that is One Pan Deconstructed Lasagna.

This creamy spinach tortellini recipe is also perfect if you’re searching for a spicy vegetarian tortellini skillet, a quick cheese tortellini dinner, or an easy sundried tomato pasta with spinach that tastes like you slaved for hours.


all the ingredients needed to make tortellini skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy!)
  • 1 cup sundried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped.. leave the oil in the jar, please!
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup grated or shredded Asiago cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Squeeze of lemon
  • 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

How to Make Spicy Sundried Tomato Tortellini

  • Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté shallot until soft and golden.
  • Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sizzle for about 30 seconds (aka: aroma explosion). Remove from pan.
sundried tomatoes, shallots and garlic cooking in a pan
  • Add butter and once melted, whisk in all-purpose flour. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in milk and chicken broth. Whisk to combine and bring to a low boil.
  • Stir in Parmesan and Asiago cheeses with the salt and pepper.
cream sauce with asiago and parmesan cheeses for sundried tortellini skillet
  • Toss in sundried tomatoes, spinach and shredded chicken. Stir until spinach wilts like it saw its ex at the grocery store.
adding sundried tomatoes, spinach and chicken to skillet
  • Stir until smooth and dreamy and then add the cooked tortellini, a small squeeze of lemon and gently toss to coat.
mixing together all the ingredients for creamy spinach tortellini skillet
  • If you want a crispy topping, combine seasoned panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.. move skillet to a 350 degree oven and bake 10-15 minutes until golden brown
  • Serve immediately. Bask in the glory.

This recipe is a total win if you’re searching for a 30 minute tortellini recipe with spinach and cream, a quick Italian weeknight dinner, or a spicy cheese tortellini skillet meal.


Tips for Success

  • Don’t overcook the tortellini – nobody likes mushy pasta.
  • Use sundried tomatoes in oil for max flavor and richness.
  • Add your protein right after the spinach if you’re using chicken or shrimp.
  • Want it saucier? Add a splash more cream and a sprinkle of parmesan.
  • Taste before serving! A pinch more salt or crushed red pepper can really make it pop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this creamy tortellini dish ahead of time? Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream.

Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, as long as your cheese and tortellini are made without animal rennet, this is a fantastic spicy vegetarian tortellini dinner.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh? Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch. For a dairy-free version, try unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream.

How spicy is this dish? It has a gentle kick. You can increase the red pepper flakes if you love heat or dial it down for a milder bite.


Final Bite

If you’re craving something that screams comfort but still has a little sass and spice, this spicy sundried tomato tortellini is the answer. It’s easy, it’s bold, and it’s giving total weeknight hero vibes. Bookmark it, make it, and then thank your spicy little stars you didn’t settle for boring noodles tonight.

Still hungry? Check out more recipes full of flavor and flair at A Wicked Whisk!

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet with sundried tomatoes, parmesan, and a spicy kick—an easy 30-minute dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite trattoria.

Still Hungry? You Might Also Like..

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – Spicy, cheesy, and totally addictive.

Creamy Garlic Chicken – Rich, garlicky, and basically begging for a hunk of bread.

One Pot Sausage and Pepper Pasta – Big flavor, no dish pile-up.

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet with sundried tomatoes, parmesan, and a spicy kick—an easy 30-minute dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite trattoria.
Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet with sundried tomatoes, parmesan, and a spicy kick—an easy 30-minute dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite trattoria.
Heather
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Spinach Sundried Tomato Tortellini

  • 1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot diced or sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more if you like it spicy!
  • 1 cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped.. leave the oil in the jar, please!
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Squeeze of lemon

Panko Topping

  • 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs optional
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter optional
  • 1 cup Asiago cheese grated or shredded

Instructions

  • Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté shallot until soft and golden.
  • Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sizzle for about 30 seconds (aka: aroma explosion). Remove from pan.
  • Add butter and once melted, whisk in all-purpose flour. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in milk and chicken broth. Whisk to combine and bring to a low boil.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese with the salt and pepper.
  • Toss in sundried tomatoes, spinach and shredded chicken. Stir until spinach wilts like it saw its ex at the grocery store.
  • Stir until smooth and dreamy and then add a small squeeze of lemon, the cooked tortellini and gently toss to coat.
  • If you want a crispy topping, combine seasoned panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.. move skillet to a 350 degree oven and bake 10-15 minutes until golden brown
  • Serve immediately. Bask in the glory.

Notes

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overcook the tortellini – nobody likes mushy pasta.
  • Use sundried tomatoes in oil for max flavor and richness.
  • Add your protein right after the spinach if you’re using chicken or shrimp.
  • Want it saucier? Add a splash more cream and a sprinkle of parmesan.
  • Taste before serving! A pinch more salt or crushed red pepper can really make it pop.

Nutrition

Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 965kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 1622mg | Potassium: 1429mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 2729IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 593mg | Iron: 8mg

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Super easy, delicious and decadent. Great way to break of the boredom of ‘What’s for dinner?’.. super rich and creamy and the squeeze of lemon is perfect!!!

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