Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s weeknight-simple but company-worthy, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the answer you’ve been waiting for. This luscious pasta dish brings together juicy chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and crisp-tender broccoli, all smothered in a dreamy garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Every forkful is a little celebration of rich Italian-American flavors, balanced by a pop of fresh green and a hint of warmth from red pepper flakes. Best of all, it all comes together in about half an hour, so you get hearty comfort and a touch of elegance without spending your evening in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This meal is built around staple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch—nothing overly exotic, but every single item plays a starring role in creating taste, texture, and vibrant color. You’ll probably have most things already on hand, making prep work a breeze and guaranteeing a family-friendly favorite.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and infuses the whole skillet with Mediterranean depth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, protein-rich chicken that cooks up juicy and tender for every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic seasoning combo that brings out the best in every other ingredient.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for a rich, aromatic foundation that takes the creamy sauce to the next level.
- Broccoli florets: Adds bright color, a slight crunch, and makes the dish feel fresh and hearty.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Quick-cooking pasta packed with cheesy goodness, the heart of the meal.
- Heavy cream: Provides luxurious creaminess that marries all the flavors together.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce, thinning it just enough to coat the pasta perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing salty, nutty richness throughout the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that keeps every bite interesting, though you can skip it for milder tastes.
- Butter: Blends with the cream and cheese for a silky, glossy finish you can’t resist.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color to your finished plate.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high—you want it hot enough to sear but not burn. Add your chicken and let it sizzle until golden and fully cooked, about five to seven minutes. This step locks in those savory juices and creates the perfect bite-sized morsels for your pasta. Once done, set them aside, but don’t clean the skillet—there’s plenty of flavor left to harness.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Broccoli
In the same skillet, check if you need a touch more oil, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for just 30 seconds—the fragrance will tip you off that it’s ready. Add your broccoli florets and cook for another two to three minutes, letting them brighten in color while staying delightfully crisp-tender. This sets the stage for that irresistible combination found in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, giving everything a gentle stir to blend. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—you’ll see tiny bubbles forming at the surface. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, the red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is rich, creamy, and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Finish the Tortellini and Chicken
Stir in the butter until it melts seamlessly into the sauce, then add your cheese tortellini right into the skillet. Let the tortellini simmer in the creamy sauce for about four to five minutes, allowing it to soak up all that luscious flavor. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, give everything a good stir, and let it all simmer together for another two minutes so those flavors can become best friends.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
By now, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is looking irresistible! Serve it piping hot, lifting every spoonful with care so you don’t miss any creamy sauce clinging to the tortellini and broccoli. Don’t forget to sprinkle over some freshly chopped parsley for an extra dazzling finish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Garnishes
This beautiful dish can be topped with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a dash of cracked black pepper for that final flourish. A little lemon zest adds a touch of brightness if you love a hint of citrus with your creamy pasta. It’s those small, thoughtful toppings that make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli feel like a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Side Dishes
You really don’t need much to round out this meal, but a crisp green salad or a simple garlic bread basket truly enhances the indulgence. Try pairing with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or even a light tomato salad for extra freshness to balance the creamy richness. The flexibility makes this dish a go-to for both casual weeknights and special gatherings alike.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress things up—and why not?—serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli in wide shallow bowls. A sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts on top adds visual appeal and a touch of crunch. For an elegant dinner party, divide into ramekins or serve family-style in a beautiful platter for everyone to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli keeps surprisingly well! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so be sure to save a bit of extra chicken broth or cream for reheating.
Freezing
Although cream-based sauces sometimes separate after freezing, you can store this dish for up to two months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight, and use low, slow reheating to restore its silky consistency. For best texture, consider undercooking the tortellini just a bit before freezing so it doesn’t become too soft after thawing.
Reheating
Warm your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s luxurious mouthfeel. Microwave reheating is also possible—just stir halfway through and be mindful not to overheat, as dairy sauces can scorch easily.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw the broccoli before adding it to the skillet so it cooks evenly and maintains that perfect tender-crisp texture found in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli.
What type Main Course
Refrigerated cheese tortellini is best for this recipe, but you can use spinach or meat-filled tortellini for a delightful twist. Just adjust the cooking time if using dried or frozen pasta.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Skip the chicken and substitute with extra broccoli, mushrooms, or even roasted chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a full vegetarian experience, and you’ll still get the creamy magic of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli.
How do I lighten up the sauce?
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk—just keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less rich but still delicious. You can also reduce the butter slightly and add more chicken broth if you prefer a lighter version.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
While the essence of this dish is its creamy Parmesan sauce, you can experiment with your favorite dairy-free cream, non-dairy Parmesan alternatives, and plant-based butter to approximate the flavors. The texture will differ, but you still get a satisfying one-pan pasta packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is everything you want in a comfort dish: fast, satisfying, and perfectly rich, with a touch of green to keep things bright. Gather around the table, savor the silky sauce, and let each bite remind you how effortless a homemade, restaurant-quality meal can be. Give it a try—you’re about to discover a new family favorite!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and rich one-pan meal with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini. Tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and broccoli are enveloped in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tortellini:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, then add broccoli. Pour in cream and broth. Add Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Stir in butter.
- Cook the Tortellini: Simmer tortellini until tender. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Frozen broccoli can be used—just thaw before adding.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
