Do you ever find yourself searching for the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both quick and indulgent? Look no further Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’ll satisfy your cravings. Featuring tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli, all enveloped in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish will soon become your go-to meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a comforting, hearty way.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Let’s start by gathering the essentials to make this delicious dish. You’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

This simple, yet flavorful lineup will create a meal that’s creamy, savory, and brimming with texture. Get ready to indulge!

Step-by-Step Directions to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt enhances the flavor of the pasta, ensuring the tortellini is perfectly seasoned. Once the water is boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking together.

After the tortellini is cooked to perfection, drain it and set it aside. However, don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water! This starchy water will come in handy later when making the sauce, helping it reach the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the tortellini is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Olive oil gives the chicken a beautiful sear while adding a light, fruity flavor. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season them with salt, pepper, dried basil, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. The herbs and spices will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor as it cooks.

Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. The chicken should have a slightly crispy edge while remaining juicy inside. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it just yet!), add the minced garlic. The leftover oil and chicken bits will give the garlic a beautiful flavor boost. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic can quickly turn bitter. The aroma will fill your kitchen, promising the deliciousness to come!

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now it’s time to create the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that will bring all the ingredients together. Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and bring it to a gentle simmer. As the cream heats up, stir it occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Once the cream is simmering, add the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted into the cream. This is where the magic happens! The cheese will thicken the cream and create a rich, velvety sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.

If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little of the reserved pasta water, a bit at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help the sauce cling to the tortellini and chicken perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the chicken and broccoli in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Then, add the cooked tortellini and toss everything together, ensuring every bite is drenched in the rich, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Serve Your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is now ready to serve! Spoon the creamy, cheesy mixture onto plates or into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. For an added touch of color and flavor, you can sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.

Serve this comforting dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to complete the meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Nutritional Information for Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

If you’re wondering about the nutritional content of this indulgent dish, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: 500 kcal
Protein: 36g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g

This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and the cheese, while the broccoli adds a nutritious, fiber-rich vegetable. The creamy sauce gives it that indulgent, comforting feel without being overly heavy. It’s the perfect balance for a weeknight meal.

Variations and Customizations

Make it Spicy

If you love a little heat in your food, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or even toss in some freshly chopped jalapeños along with the garlic. The spiciness will complement the creamy richness of the sauce beautifully.

Swap the Chicken for Shrimp

For a different protein, try swapping the chicken for shrimp! Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with garlic and Parmesan, adding a slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy sauce. Simply cook the shrimp in the skillet and follow the same steps for the sauce and combining the ingredients.

Add More Veggies

While the recipe already includes broccoli, you can easily add other veggies to bulk up the dish. Try adding sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even mushrooms for added texture and flavor. The beauty of this dish is its versatility!

Gluten-Free Version

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the cheese tortellini for a gluten-free variety. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free pasta alternatives, and they’ll work just as well in this dish. You can also ensure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free if that’s a concern.

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and broccoli and store them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce and combine everything together. This dish comes together quickly, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! You can use frozen broccoli florets if you prefer. Just make sure to steam them thoroughly before adding them to the dish to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.

Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet or the microwave. You may need to add a little extra cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture.

What can I serve with this dish?

This rich and creamy dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad to balance the richness. You could also try a light vinaigrette salad for a touch of acidity to complement the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying tortellini, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite in no time. Give it a try and experience the magic of garlic, Parmesan, and creamy goodness all in one dish.

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This recipe is a surefire hit that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your kitchen smelling amazing. Enjoy!

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, flavorful weeknight dinner, this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli combines tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli in a rich Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken: While the tortellini is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. If the sauce gets too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Stir in the cooked tortellini and toss everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy this comforting, creamy dish!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Feel free to swap out the chicken for another protein, such as shrimp or turkey.
If you prefer more veggies, consider adding mushrooms or spinach to the mix.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken, Creamy Tortellini, Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli, Easy Tortellini Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Parmesan Sauce, Broccoli Recipe, Comfort Food