Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

December 22, 2024 by Imili Johnson

There are those meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is one of them. This comforting dish brings together tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, and bright, crisp broccoli, all wrapped in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet balanced, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying.

I first stumbled upon this recipe after a long day when I was looking for something simple yet delicious. The combination of creamy sauce, cheesy tortellini, and tender chicken felt like a winning combination. After trying it out for the first time, it quickly became one of my family’s favorite dishes. Now, it’s a go-to for those evenings when you need something both comforting and quick to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

In a large pot of salted water, bring the water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini and 8-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be sure not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini and toss everything together to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the creamy tortellini mixture to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variation:

This dish is easily customizable to suit various tastes or dietary needs:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You could even add tofu for some extra protein.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that the chicken broth is gluten-free. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free pasta options that would work well in this recipe.
Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative (such as coconut cream or cashew cream), and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative to keep the dish creamy and cheesy.
Add More Veggies: You can add extra vegetables like peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Cooking Note:

To ensure you get the best result, consider these tips:

Cooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while cooking the chicken, as this can cause it to steam rather than brown. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
Cream Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit of pasta water or extra chicken broth to loosen it up. This helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta and creates a smoother texture.
Broccoli Texture: If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can cook it longer. Steaming it for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet helps retain its bright green color and nutrients while keeping a nice bite.

Serving Suggestions:

This creamy, rich dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides:

Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of this dish perfectly. Try arugula or spinach for a peppery contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy tortellini.

Tips:

Make It a Meal Prep Favorite: This dish makes for excellent leftovers. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Customize the Protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, you could easily swap in shrimp, turkey, or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Keep the Sauce Creamy: To keep the sauce from separating when reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or broth to loosen it up and bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 650 kcal per serving (1/4 of the recipe)
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 810mg

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

FAQs:

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and add the cooked tortellini and broccoli.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just be sure to cook it before adding it to the sauce to ensure it’s tender.

Q3: How do I keep the tortellini from becoming soggy?
Make sure not to overcook the tortellini. Once it’s done, drain it immediately and avoid leaving it in the water for too long.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and cream sauce (without the pasta and broccoli) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat before adding fresh tortellini and vegetables.

Conclusion:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is everything you want in a comfort meal rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. The combination of garlic butter sauce, cheesy tortellini, juicy chicken, and tender broccoli makes this dish a family favorite in no time. It’s simple to make, but so flavorful that it feels like something special. Give this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini recipe a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a regular at your dinner table. Share your experiences with us, and don’t forget to check out more comforting recipes on the site!