This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a dream come true for pasta lovers! It’s rich, cheesy, and has lots of tasty chicken and fresh broccoli.
I love how this dish comes together quickly—perfect for busy nights! Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and stay tender. You can swap them for rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli brings bright color and crunch. If you don’t have it, feel free to use frozen broccoli, or mix in other veggies like spinach or peas for variety.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini adds richness. If you can’t find it, any type of pasta works, but cooking times will vary—adjust them per package instructions.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream contributes creaminess. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or a plant-based cream (like coconut milk), just note it may change the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-grated or even Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Tortellini Is Just Right?
Cooking tortellini properly is key. To get that perfect texture, follow these steps:
- Use well-salted water to cook the tortellini; it should taste like the sea!
- Cook it according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir gently to prevent sticking. When they float to the top, they’re likely done. Just make sure to taste a piece to double-check.
This way, you’ll have tender pasta that absorbs that delicious creamy sauce without becoming mushy!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 package (about 9 oz or 250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil and oregano mix
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll enjoy about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 15-20 minutes of cooking. It’s a quick, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Onions:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Then add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onions are lightly golden.
3. Add Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Cook for about 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You can cover the skillet briefly to help steam the broccoli and speed up the cooking process.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mix together.
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the skillet. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help coat the tortellini in the cream sauce.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Heat Through:
Let everything heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions, which may require a couple of extra minutes. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
It’s best to prepare and cook this dish fresh, but you can chop the vegetables and chicken in advance to save time. If you want to make it ahead, consider preparing the sauce separately and combining it with the tortellini and chicken just before serving to keep everything fresh!
