If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It brilliantly combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and crisp broccoli all simmered together in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish strikes the perfect balance of rich indulgence and fresh, vibrant veggies, making it ideal for weeknight meals or casual gatherings that deserve something special but fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to making this dish sing. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s the creamy Parmesan giving depth, the fresh garlic adding aromatic warmth, or the broccoli bringing a lovely crunch and color pop.
- Cheese-filled tortellini: Fresh or frozen, this delivers the rich, cheesy base that soaks up all the glorious sauce.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Cooked and sliced to add satisfying protein with juicy texture.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh snap and vibrant green hue to balance the richness.
- Freshly minced garlic: Essential for that classic savory foundation with fragrant punch.
- Heavy cream: Creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Use fresh grated for that nutty, salty flavor—powdered won’t deliver the same magic.
- Butter: For richness and to carry the garlic flavor in the sauce.
- Olive oil: To sauté the chicken evenly and give a lovely golden crust.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory undertone to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: To season and highlight all the fresh ingredients.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cheese-filled tortellini according to the package’s instructions. This step is important to ensure the tortellini cooks through perfectly and retains its delicate cheese-filled center. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to join the rest of the ingredients later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, then cook it until it’s beautifully golden and fully cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in the juicy, tender texture that pairs so well with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. This quick sauté keeps the broccoli fresh and vibrant, providing that lovely green crunch you want in every bite. Once ready, remove and keep it with the chicken for now.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Return to your skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and cook it gently for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing all those aromatic flavors to develop—but be careful not to burn it. Then pour in the chicken broth, letting it simmer and release any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom. This forms a great base for your sauce.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens beautifully over about 5 minutes. This creamy, cheesy base is what makes this skillet dish irresistibly luscious. Season it all with the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine Everything and Finish Cooking
Now, toss the cooked chicken, broccoli, and tortellini back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated in that rich garlic Parmesan goodness. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and the meal is heated through to perfection.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe piping hot, maybe topped with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or some fresh herbs if you want to elevate the presentation. Each mouthful will offer a perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and crisp broccoli — pure comfort food magic!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Add a vibrant touch by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. A little extra grated Parmesan cheese enhances the dish’s cheesy richness, while a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a subtle kick if you like a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This skillet is such a satisfying main that it pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread to sop up the extra sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple caprese salad can add freshness and color to your meal spread, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish family-style right in the skillet it was cooked in—that way everyone can help themselves to the creamy goodness. Or plate it individually with a drizzle of balsamic glaze around the edges for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can even stuff it into bell peppers for a creative, handheld version that’s equally delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce keeps well, and the dish maintains its flavors for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before refrigerating to ensure all ingredients stay evenly coated and moist.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes alter texture, this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe freezes nicely if done carefully. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for long stretches as it can cause sauce separation; slow reheating preserves the creamy texture and vibrant flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly well. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water first so your sauce doesn’t get too watery. You can sauté it directly in the skillet for a few minutes to reheat and maintain a nice texture.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the best choice here. It melts smoothly and adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce that powdered Parmesan can’t quite replicate. Plus, fresh cheese gives a much better overall texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. For a lighter option, consider using a blend of milk and a little cream cheese or a non-dairy cream alternative to maintain creaminess without losing too much flavor.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs bring more moisture and a slightly richer taste to the dish. Just make sure they are cooked through and sliced before adding them back to the skillet. They pair wonderfully with the creamy Parmesan sauce and crisp broccoli.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! You can skip the chicken and boost the veggies by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach instead. Consider using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced and delicious without meat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm, comforting hug and can be thrown together without a hitch, the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and just the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and savory Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet featuring tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. This easy one-pan dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, combining cheesy tortellini with flavorful sautéed chicken and fresh vegetables in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (cooked and sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (avoid powdered)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts or thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken, broccoli, and tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is well coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Heat Through: Cook the combined ingredients for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through thoroughly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skillet hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a bright finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini for convenience.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly before combining with other ingredients.
- Do not overcook broccoli to retain its crispness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese works best; avoid powdered Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
- This dish can be adapted with other vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to prevent curdling of the cream sauce.
