The Creamiest Garlic-Parmesan Tortellini Recipe with Chicken & Broccoli

My kitchen adventure with creamy garlic parmesan tortellini started during a lazy Sunday afternoon experiment.

Comfort meals can surprise you with unexpected deliciousness.

Tender chicken and bright green broccoli complement the rich, velvety sauce perfectly.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the decadent parmesan blend that makes this dish irresistible.

Quick and simple ingredients come together in one incredible skillet.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this mouthwatering recipe that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food.

You are going to fall in love with every single creamy, cheesy bite.

Why Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli Feels So Comforting

• Whip Up a Quick Weeknight Dinner: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious, home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Effort: By using Italian seasoning, garlic, and parmesan cheese, you'll create a rich, creamy sauce that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but comes together effortlessly in a single skillet.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: The recipe offers flexibility to swap proteins, add different vegetables, or adjust seasonings, allowing home cooks to make this dish uniquely their own while keeping the delicious core concept intact.
• Balanced Nutrition in One Pan: Packed with protein from chicken, nutrients from broccoli, and satisfying carbs from tortellini, this meal provides a well-rounded dinner that keeps everyone full and happy.

What Goes In Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, best when freshly grated.

• Tortellini, Broccoli: Provide hearty texture and nutritional balance, select fresh or frozen broccoli and cheese-filled tortellini.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Butter: Create a luxurious and creamy base for the dish, use low-sodium broth for better control of salt content.
• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile, fresh garlic provides the most robust taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds bright color and fresh herb notes.

Easy Steps For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Chicken breasts
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Warm up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it releases its aromatic flavors, being careful not to burn.

Step 3: Brighten the Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, creating a vibrant green color and slight tenderness.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Add tortellini to the skillet. Gently simmer and cover, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini becomes tender and the broccoli is perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Blend and Finish

Stir in parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let everything meld together for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Final Touch

Optional: Add a pat of butter for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the tortellini and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Smart Tips For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli

• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Generously season chicken with Italian seasoning before cooking to ensure deep, rich taste throughout the meat.
• Prevent Overcooking Broccoli: Quickly saute broccoli for just 2-3 minutes to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture while keeping nutrients intact.
• Create Creamy Perfection: Stir parmesan cheese gradually into the sauce to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
• Enhance Sauce Richness: Add a small pat of butter at the end of cooking to create a luxurious, glossy finish that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli

• Refrigerate leftover tortellini in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce and tortellini can separate and lose their original texture when thawed.
• For best quality, consume the meal within the recommended refrigeration timeframe and enjoy the flavors at their peak freshness.

Tasty Sides With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the richness with its bright, zesty notes and refreshing acidity.
• Serve Alongside Rustic Bread: Warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread becomes the perfect companion, ideal for soaking up the luxurious parmesan sauce and capturing every delicious drop.
• Match with Fresh Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a tangy counterpoint to the creamy tortellini, adding a crisp, fresh element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Complement with Dry Red: For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir offers subtle fruit flavors that harmonize with the chicken and parmesan without overwhelming the dish's delicate balance.

Try These Versions Of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli

• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers and spinach for a hearty meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and add a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Include sun-dried tomatoes, swap parmesan for crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Seafood Transformation: Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish, use white wine instead of chicken broth, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a coastal-inspired meal.

Your Questions About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy sauce and cheese make this tortellini recipe appealing to children. The chicken and broccoli add nutritious elements that parents will love, and the mild Italian seasoning ensures it’s not too spicy.

• Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly and follow package instructions for best results.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. For a lighter version, try using milk with a cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink spots.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken & broccoli delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Cheese-coated pasta, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli combine into a delightful dinner that welcomes hungry diners to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Cheese:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for the chicken.
2. Coat chicken pieces with a blend of Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, ensuring even seasoning throughout the meat.
3. Carefully sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, developing a rich exterior and tender interior.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and juicy.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the same skillet, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom and infuse the pan with flavor.
6. Toss broccoli florets into the skillet, sautéing until they become vibrant green and slightly crisp.
7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the pan, creating a luxurious base for the tortellini.
8. Gently add tortellini to the liquid, covering the skillet and allowing the pasta to simmer and absorb the creamy mixture.
9. Cook until the tortellini becomes tender and the broccoli reaches perfect doneness, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Sprinkle generous amounts of parmesan cheese into the sauce, melting and thickening the creamy mixture.
11. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it warm through and meld with the other ingredients.
12. Optional: Enhance the sauce’s richness by adding a pat of butter, stirring until completely incorporated.
13. Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
14. Plate the tortellini, creating an inviting dish that showcases the creamy, herb-infused sauce and tender ingredients.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, final touch if desired.

Notes

• Optimize chicken tenderness by pounding it to an even thickness before seasoning, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, maintaining creamy texture while reducing caloric content.
• Choose fresh tortellini from refrigerated section for superior taste and texture compared to dried versions, enhancing overall dish quality.
• Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra depth and subtle heat, transforming the recipe with minimal effort and introducing exciting flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg