Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, then you’ve just found your new favorite recipe! Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is comfort food at its finest. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and cheesy, garlicky tortellini in a rich cream sauce is everything you could want in one bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or indulging yourself on a cozy night in, this dish will quickly become a go-to for easy weeknight meals that feel like a treat.

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

This recipe isn’t just about filling your belly—it’s about making you fall in love with food all over again. Here’s why this creamy dish will steal your heart:

Comfort in a Bowl:

The creamy, cheesy sauce is rich and comforting, making every bite feel like a warm hug. You’ll love how it balances the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan.

Quick & Easy:

Even though it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, this dish is ready in no time! It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Nutritious & Hearty:

With the addition of chicken and broccoli, you get a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and packed with protein and nutrients. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone complaining!

Customizable:

Want to change it up? You can swap the chicken for shrimp, use a different vegetable like spinach or peas, or even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Family-Friendly:

This is one of those dishes that everyone at the table will love. The rich, cheesy sauce and familiar flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, savory dish:

Cheese Tortellini:

The soft, pillowy pasta is the perfect base for the creamy sauce. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini, whichever is easier for you!

Chicken Breast:

Juicy, tender chicken adds a savory element that perfectly balances the creamy sauce. It’s quick to cook and so satisfying.

Broccoli:

A healthy, vibrant veggie that adds color, crunch, and freshness. Broccoli pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, offering a slight bite that’s a great contrast to the richness of the dish.

Garlic:

Garlic is the heart of this dish. It infuses the sauce with its fragrant, savory flavor, creating that irresistible aroma as it cooks.

Heavy Cream:

This is what makes the sauce so luxuriously creamy. It adds richness without being overly heavy, giving the dish the perfect texture.

Parmesan Cheese:

Grated Parmesan brings a nutty, salty depth to the sauce. It melts beautifully into the cream for a smooth, cheesy finish.

Butter:

Butter is a must for the sauce base. It adds richness and helps create that smooth, velvety texture we’re all after.

Chicken Broth:

A little bit of chicken broth thins out the sauce, balancing the creaminess and adding even more savory flavor.

Salt & Pepper:

Essential seasonings to bring everything together and enhance the flavors of the dish.

Instructions

Here’s how you can make this creamy, garlicky masterpiece:

Cook the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a little olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove from the skillet, set aside, and slice into thin strips or cubes.

Cook the Broccoli:

In the same skillet, add a splash of water or broth and cook the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes, just until tender but still vibrant green. If you’re using fresh broccoli, this step will take a bit longer, but you want it to be cooked through but still slightly crisp.

Cook the Tortellini:

While the chicken and broccoli are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Add the Cheese:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a creamy, velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Combine Everything:

Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is coated in that delicious creamy sauce.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini hot, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

This creamy dish is amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

Fresh Salad:

Pair it with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette works wonders.

Garlic Bread:

Can you ever go wrong with garlic bread? It’s the perfect side to soak up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini make a great addition to the meal, adding color and extra flavor.

Wine Pairing:

If you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a nice white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy sauce.

Additional Tips

Make It a One-Pan Meal:

For an even easier cleanup, try making this dish entirely in one skillet! Simply cook the chicken first, then the broccoli, followed by the sauce, and combine everything back in the skillet.

Customize the Veggies:

Not a fan of broccoli? You can easily swap it out for spinach, peas, or even mushrooms for a different flavor and texture.

Leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Make It Lighter:

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Definitely! While tortellini is a delicious choice, you can substitute any pasta shape you like—penne, fettuccine, or farfalle would all work great.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can prepare the chicken, broccoli, and sauce ahead of time, then combine everything with the cooked pasta when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth.

Q4: Can I make this recipe without chicken?

A4: Absolutely! You can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and maybe adding more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?

A5: This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the creamy sauce, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separately. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the definition of comfort food. With its creamy sauce, savory chicken, and vibrant broccoli, it’s a meal that’s sure to make everyone feel right at home. Whether you’re looking to wow a dinner guest or satisfy your own cravings, this dish delivers in flavor, ease, and pure deliciousness. Give it a try—trust me, it’ll quickly become a family favorite!

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