Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, succulent sautéed chicken, and fresh broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly balanced and easy to make in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 (plus extra if needed)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the tortellini and set aside to be combined later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine the liquids. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick at this stage, add extra chicken broth a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked tortellini and chicken to the skillet. Add the steamed broccoli florets. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Final Touches: Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat until everything is heated through thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for a more tender texture, but frozen works just as well.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Broccoli can be steamed in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding to the dish.
- Adding freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor contrast with the creaminess.
- This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting chicken and using vegetable broth instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian