This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken, broccoli, and pillowy tortellini in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pan dish that is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a comforting, hearty meal that combines the richness of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cream with the freshness of broccoli and the deliciousness of chicken. The creamy sauce coats the tortellini perfectly, making every bite a creamy, savory delight. Plus, it’s easy to make in just one pan, saving you both time and cleanup. It’s a complete meal that’s filling, flavorful, and quick to whip up — perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 20 oz (560g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to blanch them.
- Drain the tortellini and broccoli, then add them to the creamy sauce in the pan along with the cooked chicken.
- Stir everything together until the tortellini, chicken, and broccoli are coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add extra veggies: You can include other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to add more flavor and nutrients.
- Use different protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey breast for a different take on this dish.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less creamy.
- Add some crunch: Top the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for an added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it thoroughly and cut it into small pieces once fully thawed.
2. Can I make this recipe with fresh tortellini?
Yes, fresh tortellini works great in this recipe! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.
4. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken breast to save time. Just shred it and add it to the pan with the cream sauce.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just be sure to reheat it slowly to prevent the sauce from separating.
6. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works fine for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.
7. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to the sauce while it’s simmering.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze leftovers, but the texture of the cream sauce may change once thawed. To freeze, store the dish in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
9. Can I add more garlic to the sauce?
Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two to intensify the flavor.
10. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti if you prefer, but tortellini adds a nice touch to this creamy dish.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food! Combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and soft tortellini, all coated in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, this one-pan meal is a quick and delicious solution for a family dinner or a busy weeknight. With a savory, cheesy sauce and a balance of fresh ingredients, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 20 oz (560g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional), and cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and scrape any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- While the sauce simmers, cook tortellini according to package instructions, adding broccoli florets for the last 3-4 minutes to blanch.
- Drain the tortellini and broccoli, then add them to the creamy sauce along with the cooked chicken.
- Stir to coat everything in the sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for more flavor.
- For a lighter version, use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Can substitute shrimp or turkey for chicken for a different protein option.
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