This creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a rich, comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli are coated in a velvety Parmesan garlic sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.
Why I Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Rich & Creamy: The garlic Parmesan sauce is luxuriously smooth and full of flavor.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Balanced Meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish.
Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to fit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth.
Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
Variations
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, sausage, or even tofu instead of chicken.
Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick.
More Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be great additions.
Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and double-check your broth and cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freeze: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. The sauce may separate slightly when reheated.
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FAQs
How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little extra chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the dish.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and provides the most flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, store the sauce and pasta separately and combine them when reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this creamy tortellini.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and juicy chicken, it’s sure to become a go-to meal in my kitchen. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this dish delivers on flavor every time!.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a rich, comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli are coated in a velvety Parmesan garlic sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.
Ingredients
12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Boil tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add extra chicken broth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked tortellini, chicken, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce.
- Final Touches: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.
Add Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Extra Veggies: Try mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and check broth/cheese labels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
