This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is comfort food at its best! With tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and bright green broccoli, it’s a hearty meal.
The sauce is so creamy you’ll want to drink it! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking bites right out of the pot. I know I do! 😄
I love how quick this dish comes together. Just toss it all in the pan and enjoy a tasty dinner in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and always pleases my family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy preparation. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken to save on cooking time.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is ideal for this dish, but feel free to substitute with other pasta like penne or farfalle if you can’t find tortellini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half and half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk or a cashew cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Using freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and enhances flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, alternatives like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well too.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can sometimes be challenging, but here’s how to do it right! First, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear it and lock in moisture.
- Cut chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat until golden brown.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of browning it.
Using a meat thermometer can also be helpful; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 package (about 9 oz or 250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
For the Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Prepare the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and slightly tender.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic begins!
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated tortellini directly to the skillet and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
6. Add the Cheese:
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely and the sauce becomes nice and creamy.
7. Combine Everything:
Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Warm through for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Final Touches:
Give your sauce a little taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to get it just right!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
10. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. Just thaw it beforehand and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet, so it doesn’t make the sauce too watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich flavor.
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, consider a side of steamed or roasted vegetables.
