This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a cozy dinner all in one bowl! The tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli are smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce.
I love how quick this dish is to make—perfect for when I’m hungry but want to impress! Plus, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Who can resist that combo? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here, but you can also use thighs for more flavor. If you want a quicker option, rotisserie chicken would work well too!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli makes this dish nutritious and vibrant. If you don’t have fresh on hand, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Tortellini: You can use cheese tortellini, but if you’re looking for options, try spinach or even meat-filled tortellini for a twist. Just be mindful of cooking times!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or even whole milk can substitute, but it may not be as rich. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan is the best for melting smoothly. If you need a sub, Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese might do the trick.
How Do I Make Sure My Tortellini Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking tortellini perfectly is key to this dish. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but taste a piece a minute before the time is up to check for doneness.
- Make sure your boiling liquid is lightly salted; this enhances the flavor of the pasta.
- Once added to the sauce, don’t over-stir. Just gently toss to keep it intact while allowing it to absorb some of that creamy goodness.
Cooking it this way will ensure your tortellini stays tender and doesn’t become mushy. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For The Sauce and Veggies:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (9-12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything to creamy perfection. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of your dish right from the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are nice and golden brown and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. You want to cook it just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Add the Broccoli:
Now, add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp. This adds a lovely color, texture, and nutrition to your dish!
5. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together until well mixed.
6. Add the Tortellini:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to ensure the tortellini is cooked through and tender.
7. Make It Creamy:
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Mix everything well to create a creamy sauce that coats the tortellini beautifully.
8. Finish It Up:
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and heat everything through for about 2 minutes. This not only warms the chicken back up but helps all the flavors meld together.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Once everything is heated through, it’s time to serve! Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and, if you fancy, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. Dig in and enjoy your 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. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Make sure to pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu or chickpeas. You may also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Use Different Veggies?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers would all work well. Just adjust the cooking times as necessary to keep everything tender and delicious.
