Irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Chicken Broccoli Recipe

Whipping up a creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli promises an instant dinner solution that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Cheese-lovers appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Packed with rich flavors, each bite delivers comfort and satisfaction straight from your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between soft tortellini while crisp broccoli adds perfect textural contrast.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore how parmesan creates a luxurious sauce coating every single morsel.

Weeknight cooking just became significantly more delicious and stress-free.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary magic that’ll have you craving seconds.

Storage Methods To Keep Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little cream or broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently to maintain the sauce's creamy texture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the dish to prevent excess water in the sauce.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for protein.

• What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese tortellini is ideal, but you can also use spinach or meat-filled tortellini depending on your preference.

• How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the sauce to help thicken it gradually.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli Secrets

• Craft a One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a kitchen champion, letting you skip dishwashing stress and enjoy a delicious meal without multiple pans.
• Customize Your Comfort Plate: Easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, and personalize the dish to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Ready in just a few minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Creamy sauce, cheesy tortellini, and tender chicken create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.

Ingredients List To Prepare Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substantial flavor and makes the dish more filling.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that serves as the hearty base of the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Butter, Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, smooth, and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta.

• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color and healthy texture to the dish.
• Garlic, Minced Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor throughout the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle heat and spiciness.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and additional savory flavor to the creamy sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light herbal note to the finished dish.

How To Make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Step By Step

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the chicken until golden brown and completely done, about 5-6 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Craft the Velvety Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and cook until wonderfully aromatic, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, letting the mixture simmer gently.

Step 3: Blend Cheese and Pasta

Whisk Parmesan cheese into the sauce until silky smooth. Add tortellini and cook following package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Once tortellini is tender, fold in the cooked chicken and broccoli florets. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Shower the dish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Serve piping hot alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Helpful Tips To Perfect Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

• Generously season chicken with a blend of Italian seasoning and garlic powder for deeper taste profiles.
• Gradually add Parmesan cheese and whisk continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without clumping.
• Steam broccoli briefly before adding to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender bite.
• Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or plant-based protein for faster meal preparation and dietary flexibility.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce and thicken.

Flavorful Twists To Customize Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

• Vegetarian Cheese Tortellini Delight: Replace chicken with pan-seared tofu or roasted chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Creamy Pasta Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini and use cornstarch as a thickening agent for the sauce instead of regular flour.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use cashew cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free yet flavorful version of the original recipe.

Pairing Suggestions To Complement Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, rich sauce and cut through the dish’s heaviness, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the tortellini to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness.

Prepare a light, tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, hearty main dish.

Offer a crisp, sparkling water with fresh lemon or lime to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the dining experience.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luxurious garlic parmesan tortellini dances with tender chicken and crisp broccoli, creating a comforting Italian-inspired meal. Cheese-laden pasta promises a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies deep hunger with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or lightly cooked

Dairy and Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by seasoning with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until aromatic. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to gently simmer.
3. Whisk Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until smooth and velvety. Add tortellini and cook according to package timing, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from sticking.
4. Incorporate cooked chicken and broccoli florets into the creamy tortellini sauce. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for optional heat. Season with additional salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
5. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer for food safety.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat content.
• Quickly blanch broccoli separately to maintain vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving its crisp texture and nutritional value.
• Gluten-free option: Replace regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg