Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is that dreamy, all-in-one weeknight dinner you’ll keep coming back to for comfort and big, bold flavor. Imagine pillow-soft cheese tortellini and tender bites of chicken, all tossed in a lush, garlicky Parmesan sauce that perfectly cloaks crisp-tender broccoli. Each forkful is brimming with creamy goodness, pops of cheesy tang, and just enough garlic to make your kitchen smell like a little Italian trattoria. It’s rich but not overwhelming, familiar yet special, and guaranteed to win smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli, every ingredient is purposefully chosen to build creamy texture, savory depth, and vibrant pops of color. This isn’t just a quick dinner—it’s a symphony of flavors and comfort in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each one to help you make it your own.
- Cheese tortellini (12 ounces, fresh or refrigerated): Fresh tortellini cooks up tenderly and catches that creamy sauce in every fold—feel free to use refrigerated for the best flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces): Cutting chicken small means every morsel gets coated with sauce and cooks quickly.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): A quick two-minute boil keeps broccoli vibrant and adds satisfying crunch plus a burst of green.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use good olive oil for browning chicken and adding a bit of fruity depth to the dish.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic perfumes the sauce—you can use more if you love that garlicky kick!
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Butter amps up the creaminess, making the sauce even silkier.
- Heavy cream (1 1/4 cups): The secret is the heavy cream—it’s what makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth luscious.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (3/4 cup): Freshly grated Parmesan gives a salty, nutty backbone to the sauce; skip the pre-shredded if you can.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of garlic powder deepens the flavor beyond just fresh garlic alone.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously for the fullest flavor—don’t stop at the chicken, taste the sauce too!
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a little spark of heat that balances the richness, add these if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a splash of color and a fresh herby finish atop your finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Two minutes before the tortellini are done, toss in the broccoli florets so they come out crisp-tender and brilliantly green. Drain everything together and set it aside. This method ensures your broccoli stays vibrant and your tortellini never overcooks.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your seasoned, bite-sized chicken pieces and let them sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes so they form a golden crust. Stir occasionally and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—you’ll add it back for a final creamy embrace.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—take care not to let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream, add the garlic powder, and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the aromatics to infuse into the cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and watch as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Give it a quick taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything thoroughly, making sure each piece is generously coated. Let the whole mix heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes—the sauce will hug all those crevices of the tortellini and vegetables. If the sauce feels a bit thick, you can always splash in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once everything’s piping hot and irresistibly creamy, remove from the heat. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli straight away, and get ready for that symphony of flavors!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli feel restaurant-worthy. Scatter some freshly chopped parsley or even a few extra shavings of Parmesan on top for color and a little extra savoriness. If you like heat, an extra pinch of red pepper flakes adds both color and a subtle kick that perks up every bite.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is so rich and satisfying, simple sides are the way to go. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette brings brightness to the table, or consider steamed green beans with a bit of lemon zest. Some warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are also perfect for mopping up every drop of that velvety sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli family style on a large platter, or pile it high in individual bowls for a cozier vibe. You can also portion it out into ramekins, top with a sprinkle of Parmesan, and quickly broil for a bubbly, gratin-style finish—unexpected and deeply satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making each reheated serving every bit as creamy and satisfying—just remember, the tortellini may continue to soak up some sauce as it sits.
Freezing
While Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli tastes best fresh, you can freeze individual portions if needed. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results, as creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your tortellini and chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently until warmed through. The microwave also works, but use 50% power and stir halfway through to maintain that luscious, creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works quite well for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. Just add a couple of minutes to the boiling time and taste for doneness to ensure the pasta stays pleasantly tender.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but bear in mind the sauce will be a bit thinner and less decadent. You can also try a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the tortellini.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the chicken or swap it for sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein. The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli method adapts beautifully for a fully vegetarian version—just be sure your tortellini filling is cheese-based and meat-free.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a whisper of heat to balance the richness, but you can absolutely leave them out for a completely mild dinner. Or, if you love spice, feel free to increase the amount to suit your taste!
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes make tasty add-ins—just sauté or blanch any extra veggies before stirring them into your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is endlessly comforting, incredibly satisfying, and a true crowd-pleaser. Try it whenever you need a little dinnertime magic—you may just fall in love at first bite.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a rich and creamy delight with this flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini. Tender cheese tortellini, succulent chicken, and vibrant broccoli come together in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce that is sure to impress your taste buds. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Chicken & Broccoli:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli: Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes of boiling. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss in the sauce and cook until heated through. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Enhance with mushrooms or spinach for added veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
