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
Scale
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.
