Craving a meal that tastes as magical as it looks? Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli brings together all the best things comfort food has to offer—tender bites of chicken, fluffy cheese tortellini, vibrant green broccoli, all swimming in a silky, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Every bite offers pure coziness and plenty of flavor, making this dish just right for family dinners, date nights, or simply when you need a pick-me-up! You’ll love how quickly it comes together on the stovetop, yet feels like a gourmet treat you’d order out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is its simple ingredient list packed with essentials. Every component plays an important role in layering flavor, giving you creamy, cheesy, hearty, and fresh tastes in every mouthful!
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- Olive oil: Adds lovely flavor to sauté the chicken, while keeping it juicy not dry.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic wakes up the sauce with irresistible aroma and taste.
- Broccoli florets: Their vibrant crunch and color pair beautifully with pasta and rich sauce.
- Cheese tortellini: The star pasta—soft pillows filled with cheesy goodness and ready in minutes!
- Unsalted butter: For starting the creamy roux and deepening the sauce flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Just a touch thickens the sauce to luxurious perfection.
- Whole milk: Delivers creaminess without making the sauce too heavy.
- Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so rich, dreamy, and coating.
- Parmesan cheese: The nutty, savory backbone of the dish—freshly grated is best!
- Italian seasoning: A harmonious blend to boost the classic Italian-American flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and sharpening every flavor in the pan.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that brings out all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top, this elevates color and adds a garden-fresh finish.
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, get your cheese tortellini ready, and let them take a quick swim! For the last two minutes, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook together, saving you time and an extra dirty dish. Once tender, drain, and set aside—your pasta and veggies are good to go!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and scatter in those bite-sized chicken pieces. Season well with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and just cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once they’re beautifully browned and juicy, scoop them onto a plate to rest.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
No need to clean the skillet—this is where the magic happens! Melt butter over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and let it gently sizzle for one minute until wonderfully fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk it for another minute, forming a smooth roux that’ll thicken your sauce to perfection.
Step 4: Add Milk, Cream, and Seasonings
Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and keep it all silky-smooth. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce is thickened and dreamy. To this, add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and (if you like it spicy) red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is glossy and rich.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything lovingly so the creamy sauce hugs every bite. Let it all cook together for 2 minutes—just long enough to get everything piping hot and perfectly coated. You’re ready to garnish and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley is the classic, but don’t be shy—try a little extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes on top for added pop. The brightness of herbs and the savory-cheesy finish take Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli to another level.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is already hearty and creamy, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette is perfect for balance. Add some crusty bread or garlic knots on the side to mop up that glorious sauce—you won’t want to leave a single drop behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy feel, spoon portions of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli into individual serving bowls and sprinkle with microgreens. Or, serve family-style in a big, colorful platter for a cozy, rustic touch. You could even tuck a lemon wedge or two beside each plate for a zesty squeeze!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3-4 days without losing their creamy, cheesy allure. The flavors only get more delicious as they mingle!
Freezing
Surprisingly, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli freezes well, though the sauce may need a quick stir after thawing. Cool everything completely, divide into freezer-safe portions, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, heat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. Stir often so everything warms through evenly and nothing sticks; soon you’ll have a meal that tastes just as dreamy as day one!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets work well here—just toss them into the boiling water with the tortellini for the last couple of minutes. There’s no need to thaw first, making this dish even more weeknight-friendly.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Definitely! Simply leave out the chicken for a Meatless Monday dinner everyone will love. The cheesy tortellini and rich sauce are plenty satisfying on their own.
Can I substitute the tortellini with other pasta?
If you can’t find tortellini, try another stuffed pasta like ravioli or even simple short pasta such as penne or rotini. Just know that stuffed pastas really make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli extra special.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
For a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or stir in a splash of cream cheese. Don’t skip whisking thoroughly—it’s the secret to silky, lump-free sauce!
What if I want a lighter version?
Swap the heavy cream for more whole milk and use less Parmesan for a lighter, yet still velvety, result. Boneless, skinless chicken breast also keeps things on the leaner side, while still delivering plenty of protein.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for something that feels like a warm, cheesy hug at dinnertime, look no further than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. It’s the best of cozy comfort food with a touch of Italian flair, and truly a dish worth sharing. Whenever you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal with easy prep and wow-factor flavor, this one absolutely delivers—so give it a try and let your kitchen fill with delicious smiles!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful dish of Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with tender chunks of chicken and vibrant broccoli. A satisfying meal that combines Italian flavors with a rich, velvety sauce.
Ingredients
For the Tortellini:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 3 cups broccoli florets, 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini,
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini and Broccoli: Boil tortellini according to package directions. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then flour. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until thickened. Add Parmesan, seasoning, and spices.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss in the sauce. Cook briefly, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- This dish reheats well and can be refreshed with a bit of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
