Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

This creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli recipe is a fantastic dish for busy weeknights. The rich and creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and soft cheese tortellini, will quickly become a favorite in your household. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through the recipe and provide helpful tips, nutritional information, and answers to common questions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli is just what you need. The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and nutritious broccoli paired with the indulgent cheese tortellini makes this dish both satisfying and balanced. It’s also versatile—you can switch up the protein or vegetables to suit your tastes.

Not only is this meal delicious, but it’s also ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing dinner for yourself, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

To prepare this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients are fairly common and easy to find at your local grocery store. The most important element in this recipe is the cheese tortellini, which brings a rich and satisfying bite to the dish. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a decadent sauce that ties all the components together.

Directions and Preparation Method

Follow these easy steps to prepare the dish:

  1. Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli:
    • Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling the pasta in salted water for about 3-5 minutes until they float to the top.
    • While the tortellini is cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water in the last 2 minutes of cooking. This ensures that the broccoli will be tender but still retain its bright green color and nutritional value.
    • Once both the tortellini and broccoli are done, drain them and set them aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
    • Next, stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring the mixture to prevent clumps from forming.
    • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. The sauce should be creamy and smooth at this point.
  4. Combine Everything:
    • Add the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
    • Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  5. Serve and Garnish:
    • Serve the creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
    • Pair the dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! If you don’t have cheese tortellini on hand, you can substitute it with any other pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle would all work well in this recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter? Yes, if you want a lighter version of this dish, you can use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter and cheese to lower the calorie content.

Can I add more vegetables to the dish? Definitely! You can add additional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? While this recipe is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish should last for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines comfort and flavor in one dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a short preparation time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home. The creamy, garlicky sauce with Parmesan cheese is the perfect backdrop for the tender chicken, broccoli, and cheesy tortellini.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family, this recipe is versatile and sure to please. You can customize it with different proteins or vegetables to suit your preferences. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread, and you have a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

We hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your version of this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli on social media with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

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