If you are craving a meal that wraps comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all in one, then the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is your new go-to. This dish is a celebration of tender cheese-filled tortellini, perfectly cooked chicken strips, and vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table, with every bite bursting with savory richness and fresh textures that make you want to savor each forkful slowly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a treasure trove of simple yet key ingredients that come together to create a perfectly balanced dish. Each item adds a special touch—from the tender chicken to the creamy Parmesan—making this recipe both approachable and dazzling on the plate.
- Cheese tortellini (1 lb): Choose fresh or well-quality frozen tortellini for a soft, cheesy center that melts in your mouth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Sliced thinly to cook quickly and remain juicy and flavorful.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds a fresh pop of green, slight crunch, and nutritional goodness.
- Olive oil (4 tablespoons): Used in two stages, it brings out the garlic’s aroma and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- Minced garlic cloves (4): The heart of the dish’s flavor; fragrant and aromatic without overpowering.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the rich, velvety base of the sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Melted into the sauce, it delivers that irresistible salty, nutty depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that lift the dish with earthy, savory notes.
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and subtle savory nuances to the cream sauce.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes for fresh ones. During the last few minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water so they steam just until tender but still retain their lively green color and bite. Drain everything well and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken strips generously with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook the chicken pieces until they develop a golden brown crust on the outside and are cooked through, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes depending on thickness. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and tent it with foil to keep it warm and juicy.
Step 3: Infuse the Oil with Garlic
Into the same skillet, pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden—watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. This step develops the base flavor for your creamy sauce and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, stirring to combine the liquids. Let this mixture gently simmer for a couple of minutes so it begins to thicken just slightly. Then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until it melts fully into a silky, smooth sauce. This part is where the magic happens and your sauce transforms into a heavenly, cheesy delight.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add the Italian seasoning to give your sauce vibrant herbaceous notes, then adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes on low heat – it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without being overly heavy.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is lovingly coated with the luscious cream sauce. This step brings all the flavors and textures together into one harmonious dish that’s ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your creation immediately, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for that final touch of color and freshness. Now comes the best part – digging in and enjoying those layers of creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness mingled with tender chicken and bright broccoli.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a gorgeous pop of green but also freshens the rich flavors. For an extra special flourish, you can add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a few red pepper flakes for some heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads, like an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or simple roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the tortellini in beautiful shallow bowls, garnished elegantly with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. You could even portion it into individual ramekins and broil the tops with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a gratin-style twist that adds texture and keeps your guests intrigued.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this cozy meal even after a busy day.
Freezing
While cream sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze the main components separately: the cooked chicken and broccoli along with the tortellini in one container, and the sauce in another. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before recombining and reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating. You can add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce feels too thick. Microwave reheating is convenient but do it in short bursts and stir frequently.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and can be added directly to the boiling tortellini water towards the end of cooking. Just be careful not to overcook it so it retains some of its texture.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Traditional cheese tortellini contains gluten, so for gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini made from alternative flours. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are compliant as well.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes! Shrimp or turkey strips make delicious alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp will cook much faster so add them towards the end of sautéing.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a little flour or cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
How spicy is the dish?
The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is mild by itself, making it family-friendly. If you love spice, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe in your cooking repertoire. It’s a delightful blend of comforting flavors and textures that feel both indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe brings warmth and happiness to the table every time. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, sautéed chicken strips, and vibrant broccoli florets tossed in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 lb (450g) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups (about 200g) broccoli florets
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Sauce & Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. In the final 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Once both are tender, drain them and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Season Sauce: Mix in the Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything to coat well with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors!
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it slightly lighter.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If using frozen tortellini and broccoli, make sure to adjust cooking times according to package instructions.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
