Dreamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

Creamy pasta nights reach new heights with this silky garlic parmesan tortellini that promises comfort and flavor in every bite.

Tender chicken and crisp broccoli complement the rich, cheesy sauce perfectly.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Fresh parmesan adds a delightful sharpness that elevates the entire meal.

Aromatic garlic weaves its magic through the sauce, creating depth and warmth.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Ingredients For Chicken Tortellini Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds heartiness and completes the meal, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and tender texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors, enhances overall taste profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Broccoli: Nutrient-dense green vegetable that provides crunch and vibrant color, select fresh florets with tight, deep green clusters.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a robust flavor base, look for firm bulbs with no sprouting.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that adds depth and moisture to the sauce, opt for low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and richens the sauce, use fresh, high-quality cream for best results.
• Tortellini: Stuffed pasta that serves as the hearty centerpiece, choose cheese or spinach-filled varieties for extra flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a tangy finish and helps thicken the sauce, grate fresh for maximum flavor.
• Butter: Optional ingredient that adds extra richness and glossiness to the final dish, use unsalted for precise seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds bright color and fresh herbal note, chop finely just before serving.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sear chicken and prevent sticking, use extra virgin for best flavor.

Tools To Cook Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, garlic, broccoli, and combining all ingredients in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and broccoli before cooking.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for chopping garlic, broccoli, and cutting chicken if necessary.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for measuring seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Measuring Cup: Used for accurate amounts of chicken broth and heavy cream.

Steps To Cook Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sprinkle chicken with seasonings and cook until golden and fully done, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

• Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pan, toss in minced garlic and let it dance for 30 seconds, releasing its wonderful fragrance.

• Green Up the Dish

Add broccoli and quickly stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender.

• Create the Creamy Base

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Gently nestle tortellini into the liquid. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until pasta is soft and sauce starts to thicken.

• Bring It All Together

Fold in parmesan cheese and return cooked chicken to the pan. Let everything mingle for 2 minutes. Optional: Add a pat of butter for extra richness.

• Serve with Flair

Plate the tortellini while steaming hot. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness.

Tips To Keep Tortellini Creamy And Bold

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the chicken and chop broccoli in advance to cut cooking time by 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy, garlicky essence of the dish.
• Veggie Protein Boost: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative that keeps the meal hearty and satisfying.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who love a subtle kick, transforming the creamy dish into a zesty meal with minimal effort.

Serve Tortellini Hot And Saucy

• Rustic Family-Style Plating: Serve in a large, shallow bowl to highlight the creamy sauce and showcase the colorful chicken and broccoli, creating an inviting family-style presentation that encourages sharing.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Magic: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce, adding a fresh dimension to each bite.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will balance the creamy parmesan sauce and enhance the garlic and chicken flavors.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a light mixed green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Store Tortellini With Flavor Intact

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 34 days, maintaining delicious flavors and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Gently warm tortellini in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Can freeze prepared dish in sealed containers for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve taste and texture.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare chicken and chop broccoli in advance to cut down cooking time. Components can stay refrigerated separately for 23 days, making weeknight dinner assembly super quick and convenient.

Silky Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken & broccoli combines Italian comfort with weeknight convenience. Rich cheese sauce coats tender pasta, complementing juicy chicken and fresh broccoli, making dinner feel like a gourmet experience you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 package (20 oz/567 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat to create an ideal cooking surface.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Protein Searing: Brown chicken until fully cooked, developing a golden exterior while maintaining interior tenderness, then set aside.
4. Aromatic Base: Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet, releasing its fragrant essence and building foundational flavor.
5. Vegetable Integration: Add broccoli florets, quickly sautéing until vibrant green and slightly crisp.
6. Sauce Creation: Combine chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to form a luxurious, velvety base for the dish.
7. Pasta Cooking: Introduce tortellini to the creamy liquid, covering and simmering until pasta becomes perfectly tender and absorbs the sauce’s rich flavors.
8. Cheese Enhancement: Fold in parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and naturally thicken the sauce while adding depth.
9. Final Assembly: Return chicken to the skillet, warming through and allowing ingredients to harmonize; optional butter addition can increase sauce richness.
10. Serving Presentation: Plate the creamy tortellini dish, garnishing with fresh parsley and performing a final seasoning adjustment to ensure perfect flavor balance.

Notes

• Quick Chicken Searing: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Garlic Timing Trick: Add minced garlic near the end of cooking to prevent burning and maintain its delicate, sweet flavor profile.
• Cream Sauce Stability: Lower heat when adding cream to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, consistent sauce texture.
• Tortellini Doneness Check: Taste a tortellini to confirm it’s al dente – should be tender but still have a slight bite in the center.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg