Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a rich, comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s everything you want in a quick and hearty weeknight meal — flavorful, satisfying, and on the table in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a complete, family-friendly meal. The tortellini soaks up the velvety garlic parmesan sauce beautifully, and the whole dish comes together in just one skillet, saving time on both prep and cleanup. You’ll love how easy it is to customize and how well it reheats for leftovers.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

directions

1. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add tortellini and broccoli: Stir in the tortellini and broccoli. Cover and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
5. Finish with cheese and chicken: Stir in the parmesan cheese and cooked chicken. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use spinach or kale: Swap broccoli for leafy greens for a softer texture.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra umami.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more veggies like peas or zucchini.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of cream and skip the cheese for a lighter sauce.
• Add bacon or pancetta: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for extra richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce and tortellini texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just adjust the cook time and add a few extra minutes until tender.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a bit more broth or cream if needed. Stir constantly to keep the sauce smooth.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Freshly grated parmesan melts best and adds a rich, nutty flavor.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely — add it in step 5 to save time.

How do I keep broccoli from overcooking?

Add it during the last few minutes of cooking to keep it bright and crisp-tender.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, penne or fusilli work well if you can’t find tortellini — just cook separately and add before serving.

What goes well with this dish?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it nicely.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prep it earlier in the day, but reheat gently and add more liquid before combining with pasta and veggies.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights and special occasions alike. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this one-pan wonder delivers a rich and satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Keep it in your weekly rotation for an easy go-to that’s always a hit.

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