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
Scale
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.
