Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Seared Chicken and Fresh Broccoli

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s equal parts comforting, creamy, and satisfying, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Seared Chicken and Fresh Broccoli. This recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero: rich, garlicky sauce, tender cheese-filled tortellini, perfectly seared chicken, and bright green broccoli for balance. It’s indulgent enough to feel like a restaurant-style meal, yet easy enough to whip up in your own kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll not only walk you through the step-by-step recipe but also explore variations, cooking tips, nutritional insights, storage solutions, and even the best sides and drinks to pair with it. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to master this dish and even put your own spin on it.

Let’s dive into the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Flavor-packed: Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning create a sauce that’s rich and delicious.
• Balanced: The broccoli cuts through the richness, adding freshness and nutrition.
• Hearty & filling: With protein, pasta, and veggies, this is a full meal in one skillet.
• Restaurant-quality: Impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love creamy pasta with chicken.

This isn’t just another pasta recipe. The combination of creamy garlic parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini makes it a standout dish you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Seared Chicken and Fresh Broccoli, gather these simple ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These pantry and fridge staples come together to create a creamy pasta dish that feels both classic and elevated.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Bring another pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice thinly.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked tortellini, broccoli, and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything until it’s well coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.

Cooking Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks quickly; check often to avoid mushy pasta.
• Slice chicken thinly for faster cooking and even flavor distribution.
• Reserve some pasta water: If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
• Use fresh Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for better flavor and texture.
• Blanch broccoli briefly to keep its bright color and crispness.

Variations of This Recipe

One of the best things about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Seared Chicken and Fresh Broccoli is how adaptable it is. Try these variations to keep things exciting:

• Protein swaps: Use shrimp, salmon, or even Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Veggie upgrades: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for extra flavor.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the Parmesan.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
• Baked version: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

What to Serve With This Dish

Since Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Seared Chicken and Fresh Broccoli is hearty on its own, you don’t need much on the side. But if you want to create a complete spread, consider:

• Garlic bread or focaccia for soaking up the sauce.
• Caesar salad for a fresh, crisp side.
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
• A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, since creamy sauces can separate after thawing.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Nutritional Insights

While exact nutrition may vary, here’s an estimate per serving:

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g

This dish provides a solid balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Cook the tortellini fresh before serving to keep it from getting soggy.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just blanch or steam it before adding to the sauce.

3. What tortellini works best?
Cheese tortellini is the classic choice, but spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini can also work beautifully.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free tortellini and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

5. How can I make it less heavy?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, and reduce the Parmesan cheese slightly.

6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. Kids love creamy pasta, and you can cut the broccoli smaller if needed.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure you have a large enough skillet or use a Dutch oven.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Seared Chicken and Fresh Broccoli is a comfort food masterpiece that strikes the perfect balance between rich, cheesy indulgence and fresh, wholesome ingredients. With its garlicky cream sauce, tender pasta, juicy seared chicken, and vibrant broccoli, it’s a dish that will impress guests and satisfy the whole family.

Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. And with all the variations and tips provided, you can customize it to your taste and make it your own.

So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the creamy, garlicky goodness of this incredible chicken tortellini dish. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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