Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting meal that comes together effortlessly but tastes like you’ve been stirring away in the kitchen all afternoon, this Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini bathed in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, studded with juicy chicken and vibrant green broccoli. It’s creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor in every bite, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to keep on your weeknight rotation or bring out for a cozy weekend dinner with friends or family.
Ingredients You'll Need
The magic of this recipe is how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients come together to create an irresistible dish. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building the creamy sauce, adding protein and texture, or brightening the plate with a pop of green.
- 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini: These little pockets of cheesy goodness are the star base of the dish, cooking quickly and soaking up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender, juicy chicken adds protein and heartiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken until golden and flavorful.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: These add a fresh crunch and a vibrant pop of color that balances the richness of the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The essential aromatic that gives the sauce its signature warmth and depth.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: This creates the silky, luscious texture that makes the sauce so irresistible.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory background that enhances the overall flavor.
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, sharp finish that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A herb blend that lifts the dish with layers of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring everything together.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal note and an inviting splash of green.
How to Make Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli
Start by cooking the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package directions. When you have about two minutes left, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them briefly alongside the pasta. This cooks the broccoli just enough so it stays tender but still crisp and bright green. Once done, drain everything and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it generously with salt, black pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken pieces are golden on the outside and cooked through inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This process ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for just about a minute until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and thicken the sauce slightly. This silky sauce is where all the creamy garlic Parmesan magic happens.
Step 4: Combine Tortellini, Broccoli, and Chicken
Return the cooked tortellini, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together carefully until all ingredients are evenly coated with the luscious sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors marry together beautifully and the dish heats through evenly.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top adds a bright, fresh element and makes the dish visually inviting. If you want to turn up the flavor, consider a pinch of extra Parmesan or a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but if you want to add a side, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread complements it perfectly. The light acidity from the salad cuts through the creamy richness, while the garlic bread can be perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the seasoned tortellini in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. You can also add some toasted pine nuts on top for a little crunch or drizzle a tiny bit of browned butter to deepen the flavor complexity. Presentation makes the meal feel special even on a weeknight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch option.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, although the texture of the broccoli may change after thawing. If you want to freeze it, place portions in airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low to medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well—just add a minute or two more to the cooking time according to package instructions. The ease remains the same for the Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.
Is there a way to lighten the sauce without losing creaminess?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for the heavy cream. It will slightly reduce richness but keep the sauce satisfyingly creamy and delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and maybe add sautéed mushrooms or extra broccoli for a satisfying meat-free version that still boasts all the creamy garlic Parmesan flavor.
What’s the best way to dice the chicken evenly?
Using a sharp knife and cutting the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes helps them cook evenly and stay juicy throughout the sautéing process.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat at medium when cooking the garlic and watch it closely. Garlic cooks quickly—turn off the heat or add liquid as soon as it becomes fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting hug of this Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe on a busy day or when you want to treat yourself effortlessly. With simple ingredients coming together beautifully, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both sophisticated and homey. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to keep coming back to again and again.
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Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender cheese tortellini and crisp broccoli florets are tossed in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sautéed chicken, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Veggies
- 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini and Broccoli: Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both together and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked tortellini, broccoli, and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors and warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve the creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time in cooking.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add red pepper flakes if you desire a bit of heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
