If you’ve ever found yourself craving a meal that checks every box hearty, creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli is the answer. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients that, when combined, create a luxurious dining experience without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Picture tender chunks of seasoned chicken breast, perfectly cooked cheese tortellini, and bright, nutrient-rich broccoli all tossed in a silky, garlic-infused parmesan cream sauce. The sauce clings to every piece of tortellini and chicken, ensuring that every bite is loaded with rich, savory goodness. This dish is versatile enough to be a family-friendly weeknight staple or the star of a more indulgent weekend dinner.
Beyond its unbeatable taste, the beauty of this recipe lies in its convenience. Using refrigerated or frozen tortellini, pantry-staple seasonings, and simple, fresh ingredients, this meal is designed to be made in under an hour with minimal fuss and maximum flavor payoff.
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Season your chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking.
Step 2:
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. If using fresh broccoli, sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender; if using frozen, steam lightly before adding. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4:
Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Step 5:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to deglaze the pan and dissolve the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Once the mixture starts to simmer, stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6:
Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the creamy flavors. Then return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Step 7:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Variation:
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Protein Swap: You can replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even sausage for a different twist.
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Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and double up on the broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes for an extra burst of heat.
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Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.
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Cheese Upgrade: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor profile.
Cooking Note:
The key to a smooth garlic parmesan sauce is to cook it over medium heat and stir constantly once the cheese is added. High heat can cause the dairy to curdle and the cheese to become grainy. Also, remember that fresh tortellini will cook much faster than dried or frozen, so adjust timing accordingly.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with a warm crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the extra sauce.
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A simple side salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
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Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
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Sprinkle extra parmesan or a drizzle of truffle oil on top for a gourmet finish.
Tips:
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Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks in just a few minutes. Overcooking will make it mushy.
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Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference: Use freshly minced garlic for maximum flavor impact.
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Broccoli Timing: For the best texture, blanch broccoli first if you prefer it more tender.
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Sauce Too Thick? Thin it with a little extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~680 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Sodium: ~840mg
Carbohydrates: ~42g
Fat: ~45g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugars: ~4g
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can fully prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Q: What type of tortellini works best?
A: Cheese tortellini is classic, but you can use spinach and ricotta, chicken-stuffed, or even mushroom-filled tortellini for variety.
Q: Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli?
A: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, but tortellini and broccoli may lose texture after thawing. It’s best to make those fresh.
Q: Can I substitute the cream with milk?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).
Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free tortellini (available at many specialty stores) and ensure your chicken broth and parmesan are gluten-free certified.
Conclusion:
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli isn’t just another pasta night — it’s a creamy, comforting, and mouthwateringly satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality taste right into your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this dish hits all the right notes: bold garlic flavor, cheesy tortellini goodness, nutritious broccoli, and tender chicken, all swimming in a velvety parmesan sauce. It’s a recipe that invites personalization and promises to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
So grab your skillet and get ready to wow your taste buds with this irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli recipe!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1:
Season your chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking.
Step 2:
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. If using fresh broccoli, sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender; if using frozen, steam lightly before adding. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4:
Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Step 5:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to deglaze the pan and dissolve the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Once the mixture starts to simmer, stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6:
Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the creamy flavors. Then return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Step 7:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
The key to a smooth garlic parmesan sauce is to cook it over medium heat and stir constantly once the cheese is added. High heat can cause the dairy to curdle and the cheese to become grainy. Also, remember that fresh tortellini will cook much faster than dried or frozen, so adjust timing accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g