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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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