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
Scale
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.
