If you have a craving for something indulgent, comforting, and packed with flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken pieces, vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also a breeze to make, making it a fantastic weeknight meal or impressive dinner for guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a treasured favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Thankfully, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and wholesome meal.
- 12 oz cheese tortellini: Whether fresh or frozen, this is the star pasta that brings that cheesy goodness in each bite.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, protein-packed bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to golden perfection without sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that aromatic punch that wakes up every other flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the dreamy, velvety sauce that coats everything.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: The salty, nutty heart of the sauce that ties it all together.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Steamed or cooked, they add a fresh, vibrant crunch and color contrast.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to bring out the best in every component.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the dish with a blend of herbs that give it true Italian flair.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the final presentation and adds a lovely herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender but firm to the bite. Once done, drain thoroughly and set the tortellini aside. This step ensures the pasta is perfectly cooked and ready to soak up that creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—this prevents overcooking while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this step infuses the oil with that classic garlic aroma that’s irresistible. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring frequently, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to thicken just slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Now for the magic—stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Then add the cooked tortellini, sautéed chicken, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, allowing the sauce to coat each element beautifully. Let it all cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to make sure everything is heated through and perfectly blended.
Step 5: Serve with Love
Finish by garnishing your creamy masterpiece with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and even more Parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy. Serve it immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors that only this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe can deliver.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley not only gives the dish a pop of lively green, but it also adds a subtle freshness that beautifully balances the rich, creamy sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that excites the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some warm, crusty garlic bread. These sides complement the creamy tortellini perfectly by adding contrast in both texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe in individual shallow bowls to highlight the vibrant colors and textures. You can also drizzle a small amount of olive oil or a few drops of balsamic glaze over the top to elevate presentation and add an additional flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, this dish freezes nicely. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over low-medium heat. Stir gently and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through. The texture will be just as satisfying as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and still tastes delicious when combined with the creamy sauce and pasta. Just add it in step 4, warming it through rather than cooking from raw.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich but will still be delightfully creamy.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly here as well. Just be sure to steam or lightly cook it before adding it to the dish to prevent excess water from diluting your sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or extra broccoli for more texture and flavor. You could also add cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the components like the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time and combine everything when ready to serve. This helps speed up the final cooking stage and makes mealtime stress-free.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is a true delight for anyone who loves rich, comforting meals that come together quickly. The combination of creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and bright broccoli will have everyone asking for seconds. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s a warm hug on a plate that never fails to satisfy.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a rich and comforting pasta dish packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and cheese tortellini, all coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Return the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together gently and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy tortellini hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Steaming the broccoli ahead of time ensures it stays bright green and crisp-tender when mixed in.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time; just add it during the sauce combining step.
- Frozen tortellini may require a slightly longer cooking time than fresh; follow package instructions carefully.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce can enhance the flavor profile of the creamy sauce.
