Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy comfort food that comes together in just over half an hour, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is about to become your new favorite. Imagine plump cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli all tossed in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce—this dish hits every note of flavor and texture! It’s the kind of meal that feels both special and totally doable on a busy weeknight, and you’ll love how the creamy sauce hugs every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the cheesy tortellini to the fresh pop of broccoli and the rich, velvety sauce. Gather these essentials and you’re halfway to dinnertime bliss!
- Cheese tortellini (12 oz): These little pasta pillows are the star, adding cheesy flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the chicken and infuses the skillet with flavor right from the start.
- Chicken breast (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean and tender, it soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups, fresh or frozen): Adds color, crunch, and a welcome freshness to the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that signature aromatic depth in the sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the sauce and helps create a smooth roux.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce, ensuring it coats every bite.
- Milk (1 ½ cups): Lends creaminess and lightness to the Parmesan sauce.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): For that extra indulgent, silky finish.
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, freshly grated): The bold, nutty backbone of the sauce—freshly grated is key!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and enhances the cheesy goodness.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- Italian seasoning (¼ teaspoon): Brings a subtle herbal note that ties everything together.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. For the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets right into the same pot. This one-pot trick saves time and ensures your broccoli is perfectly crisp-tender. Drain both and set aside—the smell already hints at what’s to come!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked all the way through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate so it stays juicy and ready for its creamy reunion later.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant—this is where the magic begins! Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly, to form a light roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until it starts to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan
Turn the heat to low and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce, transforming it into a dreamy, creamy blanket for your tortellini and chicken. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of pasta water or milk will loosen things up perfectly.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every nook and cranny. Let it all heat through for another minute or two, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley, and your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Garnishes
Don’t skip the final touch! A scattering of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, while extra grated Parmesan makes it even more irresistible. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is a fabulous addition, too.
Side Dishes
This rich, creamy pasta shines with simple sides. Think crisp green salads to balance the richness, or warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. Roasted veggies or a light vinaigrette-dressed slaw would also complement the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl for a cozy vibe, or plate it individually with extra Parmesan and parsley for a dinner-party-worthy look. For a fun twist, spoon the mixture into ramekins, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish—almost like a tortellini bake!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers a real treat!
Freezing
While creamy sauces sometimes change texture after freezing, this dish can be frozen in a pinch. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. Just add it to the boiling water with the tortellini for the last few minutes of cooking, and it will come out perfectly tender.
What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and double up on the broccoli and tortellini, or add other veggies like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You’ll still get all the creamy, garlicky flavor in every bite!
Can I substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half is a great alternative if you want a slightly lighter sauce. The result will still be creamy, just a bit less rich than with heavy cream.
How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Try tossing in a bit more garlic, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a splash of white wine after the roux step. Freshly grated nutmeg is another classic addition to creamy Parmesan sauces!
Will store-bought shredded Parmesan work?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives the sauce a smoother, silkier texture. Pre-shredded varieties sometimes contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy, so grate your own if you can for the ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli experience!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something truly comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with a smile—and I know you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try and let it work its cozy magic in your kitchen!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting American stovetop dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken breast, and fresh broccoli florets all smothered in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines savory flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a luscious texture that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini and Broccoli: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain both the tortellini and broccoli and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for 5–6 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken, drained tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve the dish warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use spinach tortellini instead of cheese tortellini for additional flavor and color.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of reserved pasta water or extra milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
