Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli—a dish that’s equal parts indulgent and comforting. With cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli all smothered in a luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, it’s the perfect choice when you’re craving something hearty yet easy. This is one of those easy dinner recipes that turns into a go-to favorite—whether you need quick weeknight meal ideas, cozy food ideas for family nights, or a rich and satisfying dish to impress guests. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table. If you’re looking for dinner ideas with chicken, pasta, and a touch of green, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The rich garlic Parmesan sauce elevates the flavors of the chicken and tortellini.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy tortellini, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious meal!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delectable recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Colander
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Perfect for boiling tortellini quickly and efficiently.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing chicken and creating the creamy sauce in one pan.
- Colander: Useful for draining cooked tortellini and steamed broccoli without mess.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate Parmesan cheese smoothly into the sauce.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
For the Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
- Steam or blanch the broccoli until bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet; season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Final Assembly
- Return sautéed chicken, cooked tortellini, and broccoli back into the skillet.
- Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve
- Simmer everything together for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Now you have a complete guide to creating your own Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli! Enjoy this simple yet delightful dish any night of the week.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy pasta.
Serve with Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing complement the richness of the dish perfectly.
- Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, a simple mixed green salad balances the meal.
Add Extra Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil makes for a nutritious addition.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick and easy, sautéed spinach adds vibrant color and extra nutrients.
Include Wine Pairing
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors of the dish beautifully.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tortellini, broccoli, and garlic make a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce as you cook; adding more salt or pepper can enhance the overall taste.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking tortellini just until firm ensures it holds up well in the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Experiment with Cheese: Mixing different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano can add depth to the flavor profile.
- Add Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness to each bite.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Complement your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli by serving it alongside these delicious side dishes that create a well-rounded meal.
- Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans provide a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the pasta.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing taste that pairs wonderfully with rich flavors.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy veggies add depth and are packed with nutrients—seasoned simply with olive oil and salt.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your tortellini.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: Offering an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables can be an exciting appetizer before the main dish.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a lighter option, zoodles add an interesting twist while keeping things healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few missteps when preparing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Using the wrong type of tortellini: Not all tortellini is created equal! Ensure you choose cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture in this dish.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Sauté until it’s golden brown and just cooked through for juicy bites.
- Neglecting the seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can lead to blandness. Always season your chicken well before cooking and adjust seasoning in the sauce.
- Not timing the broccoli correctly: If you add broccoli too early, it may become mushy. Steam or blanch it just until tender before adding it to the dish.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan instead. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of your sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for best flavor.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
- Place leftovers in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli.
Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just store it properly in the fridge or freeze it for later use.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can use shrimp or tofu as a great alternative if you’re looking for a different protein option.
How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Simply replace the chicken with extra broccoli or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I add more vegetables to the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli?
Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, spinach, or even peas for extra color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Its rich flavors combined with comforting textures make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences—add more veggies or switch proteins to make it your own. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort dish that combines cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this easy-to-make recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With just one pan needed, you can whip up this indulgent meal in under 35 minutes, making it a go-to favorite for any occasion. The delightful aroma will have everyone eagerly awaiting their first bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this creamy pasta dish is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Cook tortellini in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- Steam broccoli until bright green; set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown; remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Return chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet; mix well.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
