If you are on the hunt for a rich, comforting dish that brings bold flavors and a touch of elegance to your dinner table, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends tender cheese tortellini with juicy chicken bites, vibrant broccoli florets, and a lusciously creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Every forkful delivers layers of taste and texture that make this dish an instant favorite for family meals or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe lies in its straightforward yet incredible ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating richness, freshness, or just the perfect bite size balance.
- 12 oz cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen works perfectly, providing that delightfully soft, cheesy center.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and adds a fruity aroma.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a warm, savory depth that ties everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy base that makes this dish irresistibly silky.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds flavor and smooths out the cream for the perfect consistency.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce giving it a sharp, nutty richness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Steamed or cooked, offering a vibrant pop of color and a healthy crunch.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herby warmth and a touch of earthiness to the chicken.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, bright finishing touch when garnishing.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your tortellini according to the package instructions, typically just a few minutes for fresh or slightly longer for frozen. Once tender and filled with cheesy goodness, drain them carefully and set aside—these will be the comforting base of your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the tortellini cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and generously season with salt, pepper, and that fragrant Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. When ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to make way for the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and let it sauté for about 30 seconds until it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Once your sauce looks silky, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream. Now, it’s time to bring the dish together—add the cooked tortellini, chicken pieces, and vibrant broccoli florets right into the sauce. Toss everything gently, allowing the ingredients to mingle and heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will cling lovingly to the pasta and veggies creating a wonderfully creamy finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is ready to shine. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and an herby touch. Serve it hot and watch everyone dive into a plate of comfort food that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but complements the creamy sauce with its fresh, slightly peppery flavor. For an extra touch of richness, you can offer a little extra grated Parmesan at the table so everyone can customize their plates.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread. The salad helps refresh the palate between creamy bites while the garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the tortellini in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful broccoli and golden chicken pieces. You might even drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil on top for a luscious finish or add a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that wakes up the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe keeps well for 2 to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze portions of this dish if needed. Just be aware that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and use within 1 to 2 months for optimum flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from splitting. You can also microwave it, heating in short intervals and stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini gives this recipe its signature charm, you can swap in ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne for a different texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, full-fat coconut milk or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can work in a pinch. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or extra broccoli for heartiness. You could also use plant-based chicken substitutes if you prefer.
How do I keep the broccoli bright green and tender?
Steaming broccoli just until fork-tender but still crisp keeps the vibrant color and fresh taste intact. Avoid overcooking so it doesn’t become mushy in the creamy sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare all components in advance and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness. The sauce and chicken reheat well, and adding fresh parsley just before plating keeps the dish looking its best.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, balancing creamy indulgence with fresh, vibrant ingredients. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough to impress guests. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a delicious new favorite in your home!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, sautéed chicken breasts, and nutritious broccoli florets smothered in a rich, homemade garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli florets into the skillet. Toss all the ingredients together gently and cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy tortellini hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- You can steam the broccoli separately while the pasta cooks to save time.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
