This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the comfort food dream team you never knew you needed! Picture this: tender, cheesy tortellini, juicy chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli, all smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that’s so creamy and flavorful, you’ll want to lick your plate clean. It’s easy to make, yet packs so much flavor that it’ll have everyone at the table begging for the recipe. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
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Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
This dish is not just delicious; it’s incredibly satisfying. Let me tell you why this one will become your go-to comfort food:
Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as a hearty dinner or even as a side dish to complement other meals.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have this flavorful dish on the table in no time. No complicated techniques here—just pure, comforting goodness.
Creamy and Flavorful: The garlic Parmesan sauce is the real star of this dish. It’s rich, garlicky, and loaded with cheesy goodness, perfectly coating the tortellini and chicken.
Packed with Protein and Veggies: You’ve got chicken for protein and broccoli for those nutrients, so it’s not just delicious, it’s nourishing too!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. It has all the flavors that make people go “wow” and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
This dish comes together with just a few key ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tortellini: The star of the dish! Choose cheese-filled tortellini for extra richness, or go for meat-filled tortellini if you want to add another layer of flavor.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips. It’s lean, juicy, and adds that perfect protein punch to the dish.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets that add a nice crunch and vibrant color. Plus, they pair perfectly with the creamy sauce!
Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, to give the sauce that bold, savory flavor we all crave.
Butter: For richness and to help create that creamy base for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The base for the creamy sauce that envelops the tortellini and chicken in dreamy, silky goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for maximum flavor. This adds that salty, nutty kick to the dish.
Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and bring everything together with that extra flavor boost.
Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making this dish is as easy as it gets! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be digging into a creamy, cheesy plate of deliciousness in no time:
1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the tortellini is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add the butter and garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can go from perfectly golden to bitter in seconds!
4. Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the pan, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and make it wonderfully creamy.
5. Add the Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets into the pan, stir to coat them in the creamy sauce, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant green.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked tortellini and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until the tortellini and chicken are coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Let it all heat through for a couple of minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate up your delicious Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. Serve immediately, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but here are some great side options to elevate the meal:
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. It’s the perfect carb to accompany this creamy dish.
Salad: Pair with a light, refreshing salad—maybe something with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add even more veggies to the meal, roasted carrots or asparagus would be a fantastic choice.
Extra Parmesan: Sprinkle some extra freshly grated Parmesan on top right before serving for that added cheesy goodness!
Additional Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to make this recipe even easier and more delicious:
Customize the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try using spinach, peas, or even zucchini. You can also add mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.
Make it Spicy: Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that’ll balance out the creamy sauce.
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: To save time, you can use leftover chicken or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sauce when it’s time to combine everything.
Fresh Parmesan is Key: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better into the sauce and gives you that real, rich flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A1: Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly! Just cook it according to the package instructions.
Q2: Can I substitute the cream for something lighter?
A2: If you want a lighter version, you can try using half-and-half or milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be a bit thinner.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep everything and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: We don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A5: Yes! Feel free to use any other hard cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth.
Q7: Can I use pre-cooked broccoli?
A7: Absolutely! Just add the cooked broccoli into the sauce towards the end to warm it through without overcooking it.
Q8: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A8: Yes! Just skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Q9: Can I add bacon to this recipe?
A9: Yes! Crispy bacon would be an amazing addition. Sprinkle it on top before serving for that smoky crunch.
Q10: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A10: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce it, or you can add a little more cheese to help thicken it up.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the perfect weeknight meal that everyone will love. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors that hit all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or serving guests, this dish will surely impress. So go ahead—give it a try, and enjoy a bowl of cheesy, garlicky perfection!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy and comforting dish is made with cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, and tender broccoli, all tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. A perfect weeknight meal for the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini and Broccoli:
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Add the broccoli to the boiling water during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute more. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
- Combine:
- Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish.
- Creamy Alternative: Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.
- Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg