Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. This irresistible dish brings together plump cheese tortellini, juicy bites of seasoned chicken breast, vibrant broccoli, and a luxuriously silky Parmesan cream sauce—each forkful is pure magic. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a homemade Italian-inspired dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal with friends.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients are the heart and soul of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. Each one is essential for building layers of flavor and texture, combining to create a deliciously balanced and eye-catching meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking, these add hearty protein and a satisfying texture.
Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons provide the perfect base for sautéing chicken and flavoring the sauce.
Salt: Just enough to bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the chicken and creamy sauce.
Garlic (minced): Three cloves bring that aromatic, savory punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
Fresh broccoli florets: Their crunch and vibrant green make the dish both beautiful and nutritious.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini: This shortcut pasta is pillowy, cheesy, and cooks lightning fast for weeknight ease.
Heavy cream: The secret to a dreamy, rich sauce that clings to every bite.
Chicken broth: Lightens up the sauce and packs in extra flavor.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts smoothly into the sauce for nutty, salty, cheesy goodness.
Italian seasoning: A pinch of this blend adds warmth and herby complexity to the dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in a little for a gentle heat that wakes up your tastebuds.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): The finishing touch for a pop of freshness and color.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook them according to what the package recommends. Two minutes before the pasta is perfectly tender, toss in your fresh broccoli florets. This ensures the broccoli comes out crisp-tender and beautifully green right when the tortellini finish cooking. Drain everything together and set aside so they’re ready for that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Season your cubed chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through. Scoop them onto a plate and keep them close for the next step!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Lower the heat under your skillet to medium. In the remaining oil and flavorful chicken bits, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it just fragrant, not browned. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any yummy browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch as it thickens and turns gloriously creamy!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the sautéed chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet with your creamy sauce. Gently toss and fold everything so that each piece is coated in that dreamy, garlicky Parmesan goodness. Let it heat through for another 1 to 2 minutes. Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is now ready to be devoured!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish things off by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over your finished dish for a pop of green and freshness. Plate up while everything’s still hot and creamy—don’t be surprised if your dinner table falls suddenly silent as everyone digs in!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley instantly elevates the look and flavor of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. If you want to up the cheese factor, add extra Parmesan on top, or a quick grind of black pepper for extra zip. Lemon zest is another fabulous touch if you crave a bit of brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish is deliciously satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. Steamed asparagus, roasted tomatoes, or even a light Caesar salad will complement the creamy sauce and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun family-style flair, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone serve themselves. To make dinner feel a little fancy, plate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli in shallow bowls and top with shaved Parmesan, microgreens, or a swirl of chili oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, scoop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The tortellini and broccoli stay tender, and the sauce keeps everything flavorful and moist.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. While the cream sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing, a good stir (and a splash of extra cream) will bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the tortellini from getting mushy and ensures the chicken stays juicy. The microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Toss frozen broccoli florets in with the tortellini for the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time. They’ll thaw and cook through perfectly, making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli quick and convenient no matter what’s in your fridge.

Is rotisserie chicken a good shortcut?

Yes, picking up a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or cube the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet when you’d normally return the chicken to the sauce. It’s ideal for those ultra-busy nights or when you have leftovers to use up.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even bell peppers. These add color, flavor, and extra nutrients to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli, making it even more versatile and fun to customize.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While cheese tortellini is wonderfully creamy and satisfying, ravioli, penne, or even fusilli will soak up the luscious sauce beautifully. You may need to adjust cook times depending on the pasta shape you choose.

How do I make this dish spicy?

For those who love a bit of heat, bump up the red pepper flakes or top each serving with a drizzle of your favorite chili crisp oil. This gives Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli a warm, zesty finish and a whole new layer of excitement.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to add Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli to your regular dinner rotation. It’s easy, comforting, and completely satisfying—just the kind of meal to bring everyone around the table. Give it a try and let the rich, cheesy flavors and tender pasta win your heart!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini recipe. Tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh broccoli are coated in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of garlic. This Italian-inspired meal is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tortellini:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

For the Sauce:

1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook tortellini according to package directions. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté in olive oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in the skillet. Add broth and cream. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss in the sauce. Heat through and garnish with parsley before serving.