If you are looking for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish balances tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant broccoli in a luscious garlic and parmesan sauce that feels indulgent without being complicated. With every bite, you get a creamy texture paired with savory notes that are so satisfying, you might just find yourself craving it again the very next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe to life.
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a nice depth and prevents sticking while cooking the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but necessary seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Brings an herby note that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and adds silkiness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aroma and a punch of flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, delivering that creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overwhelming richness.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that signature salty, nutty bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): A touch more herbiness to round out the sauce flavor.
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen): Loads of cheesy pillows that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched): Offers a fresh, green pop and a slight crunch for balance.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional): Adds a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if you like. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside so it stays juicy and ready for the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes—don’t let it burn! This step infuses your sauce with fresh, aromatic garlic flavor that really sets the tone.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all those golden bits left behind by the chicken for extra flavor. Add in the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, developing a silky smooth consistency that will coat your tortellini beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli
While the sauce is coming together, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. If using fresh tortellini, they generally require less time. Drain and set aside. Steam or blanch your broccoli florets until tender-crisp, preserving that vibrant green and a bit of crunch that adds freshness to the dish.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli into your creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and warm all components for a couple more minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley provides a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness, making every bite inviting and bright.
Side Dishes
This dish is substantial on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Light roasted vegetables also complement the flavors if you want an extra veggie boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, serve the tortellini in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce. A drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of extra grated parmesan on top adds a restaurant-style touch that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes separate after thawing. To help, store the sauce and tortellini separately if possible, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers on low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a little extra cream or broth prevents the sauce from drying out and keeps everything silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is ideal because it soaks up the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for that cheesy flavor. Just keep an eye on the seasoning balance.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for dinner parties?
Yes, you can cook everything in advance and assemble just before serving. Reheat gently and toss to freshen up the sauce. Adding fresh herbs right before serving adds a vibrant touch.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Cutting the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces and not overcooking them is key. Cooking chicken just until it’s opaque and then letting it rest helps maintain tenderness.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers work wonderfully. Just sauté them along with the garlic for extra layers of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe—it manages to be both comforting and elegant in one dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed and seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs, then simmered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini are cooked to perfection and combined with steamed broccoli florets to add a fresh, vibrant touch. Finished with chopped parsley, this dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious savory flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning if using. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Tortellini: In a separate pot, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, tortellini, and steamed broccoli into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately, enjoying the flavorful, creamy dish warm.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Frozen tortellini does not need to be thawed before cooking; just follow package instructions.
- To steam broccoli, simply place florets in a steaming basket over boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
