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
Scale
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.
