Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken bites, and bright broccoli florets are tossed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome, and it all comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re simply craving a cozy, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• One Pan, One Pot: Simple cleanup with layered cooking in a single skillet and pot.
• Creamy and Comforting: The luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce wraps everything in rich flavor.
• Family Favorite: Kid-approved, crowd-pleasing, and a hit at the dinner table.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different proteins or veggies based on what you have.

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
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions:

• Fresh: 3–5 minutes
• Frozen: 8–10 minutes
  Once done, drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

While the tortellini is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (without cleaning it), add the minced garlic.
Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be lightly golden, not brown.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet.
Then, gently fold in the tortellini.
Toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Italian seasoning as needed.
Spoon the creamy tortellini mixture onto serving plates.
Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Avoid Crowding the Pan: Cook chicken in batches for even browning.
• Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Remove from heat once just tender to prevent mushiness.
• Sauce Fix: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen.
• More Veggies? Try adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or peas.
• Swap Proteins: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or rotisserie chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Serve with a green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance richness.
• Roasted Veggies: Try it with roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for a heartier plate.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s texture.
• Freezing: Freeze only the chicken and sauce—add fresh tortellini and broccoli when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes, just follow the package instructions for boiling time (usually 8–10 minutes).

Can I make this dish ahead?
A: Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Reheat and add fresh-cooked tortellini and broccoli when ready to serve.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works great and saves time.

Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free tortellini and double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s gluten-free.

How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
A: Add a splash of cream or broth and heat slowly while stirring.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is everything a weeknight dinner should be: comforting, quick, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli come together in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce for a meal the whole family will love. Once you try it, this dish will become a cozy classic in your kitchen.

More recipes you’ll love:

French Dip Sliders for Dinner

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

Smothered Chicken Over Rice

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