If you have ever craved a meal that wraps you up in rich, comforting flavors while still feeling fresh and vibrant, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender cheese-filled tortellini bathed in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly complemented by juicy, golden chicken pieces and bright, crisp broccoli. This dish brings together simple ingredients that transform into an irresistible, soul-satisfying dinner anyone can fall in love with. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesomeness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep things straightforward yet flavorful with this carefully selected lineup of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in shaping the creamy texture, the deep garlic notes, the cheesy richness, and the fresh pop of green in this dish.
- Cheese tortellini: Use fresh or refrigerated for the best tender-cheese surprise in every bite.
- Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a crisp, healthy contrast and vibrant color to your plate.
- Olive oil: For golden sautéing that enhances natural flavors without overpowering.
- Garlic: Minced and sautéed to release fragrant aroma, the heart of this recipe’s flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates that decadent, silky sauce that envelops every ingredient lovingly.
- Chicken broth: Adds subtle savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and sharp, nutty notes.
- Butter: Brings smoothness to the sauce and helps caramelize the garlic.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that lift all the flavors beautifully.
- Paprika (optional): Just a hint for mild warmth and color to the chicken.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh burst of herbal brightness as a final garnish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This ensures the tortellini becomes perfectly cooked but not mushy. Cook according to the package instructions—fresh or refrigerated usually take just a few minutes. Then drain and set aside, so they’re ready to soak up all that luscious sauce later.
Step 2: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli
While the tortellini cooks, steam or blanch your broccoli florets. This step keeps their color bright and the texture just tender-crisp, which is essential to add a fresh bite and nutritional boost to the dish. Drain and set the broccoli aside, keeping the green vibrant and inviting.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika if you’re using it. Cook until the chicken turns golden and is cooked all the way through. This creates a flavorful crust that locks in the juiciness.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, softening and marrying the flavors.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Combine
Whisk the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until everything melts into a smooth, creamy dream. Return the sautéed chicken, cooked tortellini, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Give everything a good stir, coating every piece evenly with the rich, silky sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dish quite like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. It not only adds a lovely green touch but also imparts a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce. For an extra pop, add a twist of cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread that’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes could also brighten the plate and provide a little tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dinner, try serving the creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini in individual shallow bowls, each garnished with a sprig of parsley and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can even sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of Parmesan on top for that elegant touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini might absorb the sauce over time, so stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to regain that perfect creaminess.
Freezing
This dish freezes, but cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze, do so before combining the sauce, chicken, and broccoli—freeze those components separately and combine fresh after reheating the sauce. Otherwise, freeze in portioned airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid using high heat to prevent the cream from curdling and to keep the chicken tender. Microwaving on medium power with periodic stirring also works well for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly here. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions and drain well before adding to the sauce.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, but keep in mind the cream makes this recipe wonderfully rich and silky.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add extra broccoli or your favorite veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is the dish with paprika?
The paprika adds a mild warmth and subtle smoky flavor but is not spicy hot. If you prefer no heat, just leave it out—it’s still flavorful and delicious.
What kind of Parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block will melt beautifully and give that authentic nutty flavor. Pre-grated powders don’t melt or flavor as well in this creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser at any table. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavors that feel both familiar and indulgent. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and let it become one of your favorite go-to meals. Trust me—once you taste that creamy sauce wrapped around tender tortellini and chicken with just the right touch of garlic and fresh broccoli, you’ll be making it over and over again.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, sautéed chicken, and vibrant broccoli florets all tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside to keep them fresh.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Toss Everything Together: Return the cooked chicken, drained tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Final Simmer and Serve: Let everything simmer together for 2 more minutes over low heat to meld the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, then serve the dish hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables such as spinach or asparagus for variation.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If fresh Parmesan is not available, use a good quality grated Parmesan from a container, but do not skip the cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini or broccoli to maintain their texture and prevent mushiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
