Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is an absolute must-try. This recipe brings together pillowy cheese tortellini, tender pieces of chicken, and vibrant broccoli all enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate yet comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the harmony of flavors and textures that make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli so irresistible. From the fresh broccoli adding a pop of green and crunch, to the garlic and Parmesan infusing deep savory notes, each element is essential.
- 12 oz cheese tortellini: Choose fresh or frozen; this is the star pasta that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a vibrant color and a slightly crisp, healthy bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Diced for even cooking and tender, juicy bites throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken to a golden, flavorful finish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a rich, aromatic foundation for the sauce that makes everything taste homemade.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the dreamily smooth and rich base of the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce to silky perfection.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for enhancing and balancing every element in the dish.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle warmth to complement the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to add a subtle complexity.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Step 1: Cook Tortellini and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes for fresh varieties. Just as the tortellini nears perfection, toss in the broccoli florets during the last 2 to 3 minutes to gently steam them. This timing ensures the broccoli stays tender but still has a satisfying bite. Drain everything together to keep things simple and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through — about 5 to 7 minutes. The golden crust adds a lovely texture and depth of flavor that brings this dish to life.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial — the garlic needs to become fragrant but not burnt to provide a mellow, aromatic boost to the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and blend with the cream into a rich, velvety sauce. This is where the magic begins, as the sauce thickens to coat every piece of tortellini, broccoli, and chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli right into the skillet and gently toss everything together. Let it cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes to ensure every bite is warm and the flavors meld completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if you like.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top, adding a pop of color and a fresh flavor that lifts the richness of the cream sauce beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. These garnishes bring an extra layer of appeal and flavor that makes the dish feel truly special at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish is fairly hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread pairs wonderfully. The crisp salad balances the creaminess, while the bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli in individual shallow bowls. Add a lemon wedge on the side for guests who want a refreshing citrus twist. Alternatively, layering with finely grated Parmesan and a few parsley sprigs creates an inviting centerpiece for family-style dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the cream sauce and tortellini may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool completely and pack it in a freezer-safe container, consuming within 1 month for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving is possible but do so in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid uneven heating and to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes! While cheese tortellini is ideal for the creamy sauce, feel free to substitute with other filled pastas or even gnocchi. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to lighten the cream sauce?
You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and may require a bit more cheese to thicken.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or mushrooms for texture and flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is ready when it turns golden-brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
Yes, you can cook the tortellini and broccoli ahead of time and refrigerate separately. The sauce and chicken are best made fresh but can also be prepped a few hours ahead.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli, I truly hope you give it a try and make it your new go-to comfort meal. It’s a wonderful blend of creamy, garlicky richness balanced by fresh, vibrant ingredients. Once you taste the harmony of flavors, it’s hard not to fall in love with this dish, and I’m sure it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting, flavorful one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender cheese tortellini and crisp broccoli are enveloped in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce, paired with juicy sautéed chicken pieces for added protein. Easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a hearty Italian-inspired meal at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes for fresh or longer for frozen. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain both in a colander and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, cooking for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
- Toss in Tortellini and Broccoli: Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas if preferred.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be a last resort but won’t be as aromatic.
- Shredded mozzarella or asiago cheese can be used in place of Parmesan for a different cheese profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (~1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Creamy garlic parmesan tortellini, chicken tortellini recipe, broccoli pasta dish, one pan chicken pasta, easy Italian dinner, creamy chicken broccoli pasta
