Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy dinner? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, fresh broccoli, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something restaurant-quality at home, this one-pan meal is as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Ingredients Overview
Key Ingredients for the Dish
- Chicken Breast (2 large, diced): Tender, juicy chicken is the protein that anchors this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work well.
- Tortellini (12 oz): Fresh, refrigerated tortellini stuffed with cheese is best for this creamy dish. Frozen tortellini can also be used (adjust cooking time as needed).
- Broccoli (2 cups, florets): Adds freshness, color, and a healthy crunch to the dish.
- Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): The base for the rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Adds depth and lightens the sauce while tying the flavors together.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The foundation of the sauce, adding bold, savory flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (3/4 cup, grated): Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a perfectly cheesy finish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps sauté the garlic and create the base for the sauce.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used to cook the chicken and lightly coat the pan.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
- Optional Garnish: Chopped parsley and additional Parmesan for extra flavor and presentation.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A wide, deep skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken, making the sauce, and tossing all the ingredients together.
- Pot: For boiling the tortellini if not cooking it directly in the sauce.
- Tongs or Spatula: For flipping the chicken and stirring the dish.
- Grater: To freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Steam or Blanch the Broccoli
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Alternatively, steam the broccoli in the microwave by placing it in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave for 3-4 minutes.
3. Cook the Tortellini
- If using fresh tortellini, cook it according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- If using frozen tortellini, boil for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Let the dish simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the dish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Perfecting the Sauce
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Customizing the Recipe
- Add Heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, Italian sausage, or grilled tofu instead of chicken.
- Vegetable Variations: Replace broccoli with spinach, asparagus, or peas for a seasonal twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with these sides for a complete meal:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Leftovers
Storing the Dish
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, so stir well before serving.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking the pasta or chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preventing Overcooked Pasta or Broccoli
- Cook the tortellini and broccoli just until tender to maintain their texture. Overcooking can lead to mushy results.
Curdled Sauce
- Avoid boiling the cream sauce, as high heat can cause it to curdle. Simmer gently for the best results.
Variations
Mushroom and Spinach Tortellini
- Swap the chicken and broccoli for sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for a vegetarian version.
Shrimp Alfredo Tortellini
- Replace chicken with seared shrimp for a seafood twist on this creamy classic.
Low-Carb Option
- Use cauliflower florets instead of tortellini for a keto-friendly dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
A: Yes! Frozen tortellini works well. Simply adjust the cooking time to 5-7 minutes until tender.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Reheat everything together with a splash of cream or broth before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
A: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-fat Parmesan cheese. You can also add more vegetables to bulk up the dish without extra calories.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a true comfort food classic, combining rich flavors, creamy textures, and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. With easy customization options and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a hearty, one-pan comfort food blending tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a restaurant-style meal at home, this dish is satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
-
- Chicken Breast: 2 large (diced)
- Tortellini: 12 oz (cheese-stuffed, fresh or frozen)
- Broccoli: 2 cups (florets)
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
- Parmesan Cheese: 3/4 cup (grated)
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Optional Garnish: Chopped parsley, additional Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare Broccoli:
- Steam or blanch broccoli until bright green and tender (2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook Tortellini:
- Boil tortellini according to package instructions (2-3 minutes for fresh, 5-7 minutes for frozen). Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add chicken, broccoli, and tortellini to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately.