If you’re craving comfort food that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners need. It brings together pillowy cheese tortellini, tender chicken bites, and vibrant green broccoli all wrapped in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. The harmony of flavors and textures makes every bite a satisfying hug for your taste buds, plus it’s surprisingly simple to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is the key to this dish’s magic. Each element plays a vital role: creamy cheese tortellini provides the perfect base, juicy chicken adds protein and heartiness, garlic delivers aromatic depth, Parmesan lends rich cheesiness, and broccoli brings bright color and fresh flavor.
- 12 oz cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen tortellini works wonderfully and cooks quickly for a tender bite.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly and absorb the sauce better.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, savory kick in the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, balancing the creaminess beautifully.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: The star cheese that gives the sauce its nutty and savory character.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Steamed or cooked, to add a fresh, crisp contrast and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by boiling the cheese tortellini according to the package’s directions. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once perfectly tender, drain the tortellini and set them aside. This simple step ensures your pasta has the perfect texture to soak up all the creamy goodness coming next.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color and are cooked through. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm; it’s time to build your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using that same skillet with all the lovely browned bits left behind, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring carefully to combine everything. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. This helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce, transforming it into a rich and velvety delight. If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, a splash of extra chicken broth can loosen it up perfectly.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Return the cooked tortellini and chicken to the skillet, then add your steamed broccoli florets. Stir everything together, making sure each piece is luxuriously coated in the creamy sauce. This step brings all the key components together for that signature flavor combination.
Step 6: Final Touches
Allow the mixture to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes over medium-low heat until everything is uniformly heated through. Taste and adjust with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Now your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is ready for plating!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley on top to brighten the presentation and enhance the flavors. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or even a handful of toasted pine nuts can add welcoming complexity and crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread. A crisp Caesar salad balances the creamy richness, while warm bread invites you to savor every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Another fun twist is to prepare it in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs and bake briefly for a golden crust, making it an exciting variation to please the crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making for an equally delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the broccoli’s texture might change slightly upon thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens during reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is perfect for this recipe’s creaminess, you can swap in ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne to make it your own. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well, but broccoli can become softer. To maintain texture, you could freeze the pasta and chicken separately and add fresh steamed broccoli when reheating.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You could try half-and-half or whole milk, but know that the sauce may be less rich and thick. For the best creamy texture, heavy cream is recommended.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook chicken pieces until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. Typically, 5-7 minutes is enough for bite-sized pieces over medium heat.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and comforting without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple. Give it a try and watch it quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken breast, and fresh broccoli all enveloped in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes for a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked tortellini and chicken to the skillet, then add the steamed broccoli florets. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Final Touches: Let the combined mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini depending on your preference; fresh cooks faster.
- Steaming broccoli before adding it to the dish keeps it tender yet crisp.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adjust thickness of sauce by adding more or less chicken broth as needed.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini options.
