If you are on the hunt for a dinner that wraps comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all into one, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is your next go-to meal. It’s a luscious combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and bright, green broccoli swimming in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that tastes like it was made by a gourmet chef but is simple enough for any weeknight. Every bite promises a satisfying balance of creaminess and freshness that will quickly convince you to make this dish a regular in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish to taste.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky depth alongside fresh garlic.
- Italian seasoning: Optional but highly recommended for an herby, aromatic touch.
- Butter: Creates the perfect base for your creamy sauce with a silky mouthfeel.
- Fresh garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with bright, pungent flavor.
- Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, providing that rich, creamy texture everyone loves.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, its nutty and salty notes elevate the sauce to irresistible heights.
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen, they soak up the sauce perfectly and add delightful chewiness.
- Broccoli florets: Steamed or blanched, introducing vibrant color and a nutritious crunch.
- Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that adds freshness and a pretty pop of green.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning if you like. This careful seasoning ensures each bite will be flavorful, not bland. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate but don’t clean the pan yet; those browned bits will add depth to your sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to capture all those leftover flavors from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute or two until fragrant, making the sauce aromatic and inviting. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine well. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3-5 minutes to let it thicken slightly and develop richness.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Seasonings
Add the grated parmesan cheese right into the simmering sauce and stir continuously until it melts and the sauce becomes wonderfully smooth. A little extra Italian seasoning here will brighten the flavors, but feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. This sauce brings the “creamy garlic parmesan” magic that makes the recipe stand out.
Step 4: Cook Tortellini and Broccoli
While your sauce simmers, cook the tortellini according to the package directions; fresh tortellini usually takes 2-4 minutes, while frozen may need slightly longer. Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets so they stay tender yet crisp, preserving that fresh green color and nutritional goodness. Drain well.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish
Add the cooked chicken and tortellini back into the skillet with the creamy sauce, followed by the vibrant broccoli. Toss everything gently so each piece is luxuriously coated with sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, herbal note and a colorful finish. Serve it hot to enjoy all the melty, comforting flavors at their best.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate this dish, fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a lovely brightness that balances the creamy sauce. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top will please any cheese lover and add a final punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully substantial on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also make perfect companions for soaking up every last bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side—this brightens the palate when squeezed over. Alternatively, plate it family-style in a large serving dish for a welcoming, communal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after a day in the fridge, making your leftovers taste even better.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, it’s best to keep the tortellini and broccoli separate from the sauce. Freeze components individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. This prevents the tortellini from becoming mushy and the broccoli from losing its texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add the tortellini and broccoli back in to heat through just before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can cause the cream to separate and texture to suffer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While tortellini is delightful here, you can swap it for ravioli, gnocchi, or even regular pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard cheese tortellini contains gluten, but you can easily find gluten-free tortellini options to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and add extra broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for depth. The sauce alone is rich and satisfying.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from breaking?
Cook the sauce gently over medium to low heat and stir constantly while adding the cheese. Avoid boiling it once the cream and parmesan are combined.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead but combine with tortellini and broccoli just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and maintains the perfect creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Give this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe a try and prepare to enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. I promise, once you make it, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe box!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers creamy, savory goodness in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if using. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning if using, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Tortellini and Broccoli: While making the sauce, cook the tortellini according to package instructions (usually 2-4 minutes for fresh or longer for frozen). Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, about 4-5 minutes, then drain.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked tortellini and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the steamed broccoli and toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for a quicker cook time.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- For a lower fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Steaming broccoli preserves nutrients and color better than boiling.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
