Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a quick and delicious 25-minute meal combining tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken breasts, and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain the tortellini well and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring frequently to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until fully melted and smooth. Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss all the ingredients together and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat everything through and marry the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy tortellini hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen; adjust boiling time accordingly.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing as it can turn bitter.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor, rather than pre-grated.
- Broccoli can be steamed or quickly blanched before adding to the dish for vibrant color and tender-crisp texture.
- If a lighter sauce is preferred, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
