Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Oh, where do I even start with this one? Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve just eaten something decadent at a fancy restaurant, but without the hefty price tag or complicated steps. It’s everything you want in a comfort meal—tender chicken, perfectly cooked tortellini, and fresh broccoli all coated in a luxuriously creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Every bite is full of creamy goodness, and let me tell you, this dish is downright addictive.

The best part? It’s so easy to whip up! No need for fancy techniques—just some basic ingredients and a few simple steps. Trust me, this dish is going to become your go-to comfort food. So let’s get into how to make this creamy, cheesy perfection!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

• Creamy Goodness: That sauce. Oh, that sauce. It’s thick, creamy, and packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor. It’s like a velvety blanket for the chicken and tortellini.
• Quick and Easy: This is one of those dishes you can make in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and nutritious broccoli, this dish is as filling as it is flavorful.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes! Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: Add more veggies, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or even try it with a different type of pasta. The options are endless.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy chicken that absorbs all the flavors of the sauce.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh and crisp, broccoli adds a lovely crunch and some bright color to the dish.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish! Soft, pillowy tortellini that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the creamy base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that savory, aromatic flavor.
• Heavy Cream: For that thick, luxurious creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly into the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: To give the sauce a bit of depth and make it just the right consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: A bit of this adds a nice herbal flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: For adjusting the seasoning to taste.

(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this creamy, cheesy dish:

1. Cook the Chicken:

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

2. Steam the Broccoli:

In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover and steam the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s tender but still bright green. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

3. Cook the Tortellini:

While the chicken and broccoli are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-4 minutes). Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Once it starts to simmer, stir in the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Add the Parmesan:

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute or so until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine Everything:

Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini and veggies are well coated in the creamy sauce.

7. Serve:

Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired. This dish is just begging to be paired with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to enhance the experience:

• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will help balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: If you love more veggies, roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus would be a fantastic side.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would pair wonderfully with the creamy richness of the dish.

Additional Tips

• Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option or switch to shrimp if you’re in the mood for seafood.
• Make it Lighter: You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use low-fat cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for even more color and nutrients.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can swap the cheese tortellini for another stuffed pasta like ravioli, or even a different shape like penne or farfalle.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just heat everything up and toss in the pasta and broccoli.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q5: Can I make this vegetarian?
A5: Yes! Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and cheesy tortellini is irresistible, and the broccoli adds a lovely freshness to balance it all out. Easy to make, satisfying to eat, and so full of flavor—you’ll be coming back to this dish time and time again! Enjoy!

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