This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini is a dream! Soft tortellini, tender chicken, and broccoli come together in a rich, yummy sauce that’s hard to resist.
You might find yourself going back for seconds, or maybe thirds—no judgment here! I love serving it with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for that cheesy goodness. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey breast instead. For a vegetarian version, try substituting with extra firm tofu or chickpeas.
Tortellini: While I love cheese tortellini, you can use any type of tortellini—like spinach or mushroom, or even fresh ravioli. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pasta options that suit your needs.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce, but if you want a lighter choice, whole milk or half-and-half can be used, although the sauce will be less creamy. For dairy-free, use coconut cream or a nut milk with a thickener.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan really enhances the flavor. If unavailable, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes. You can also use nutritional yeast for a vegan option!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Juicy and Tender?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is easy with a few tips! Start by cutting the chicken into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps them brown nicely.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken to promote browning.
- Season well with salt and pepper; this enhances the flavor as it cooks.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before mixing it back in. This keeps it juicy!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Broccoli for this Dish?
To keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp, it’s essential not to overcook it. Here’s how to do it right:
- Add the broccoli to the skillet when the cream sauce is simmering. This method steams it perfectly.
- Cook for just 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. This keeps its nutrients and crunch intact.
How to Make 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 (9 oz / 250g) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 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
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. Afterward, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Flavoring with Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat a bit and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, taking care not to allow it to burn.
3. Creating the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will create a delicious creamy base for your dish.
4. Cooking the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the creamy mixture. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender yet still crisp—just right!
5. Adding the Tortellini:
Stir in the cheese tortellini, and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking together.
6. Mixing It All Together:
Once the tortellini is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well until combined.
7. Adding Parmesan:
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Letting It Rest:
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish sit for a minute to thicken further; this will enhance the flavors nicely!
9. Serving It Up:
Serve your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini warm, and feel free to garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a colorful touch. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, cheesy, comforting meal!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method—put the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Always ensure it’s cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to enhance the flavor as well.
What Can I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every minute for even heating.
How Can I Customize the Sauce?
You can add more flavor to the sauce by incorporating additional seasonings like red pepper flakes for heat or herbs like basil and thyme. For a tangy twist, a splash of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors!
