Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Picture this: tender cheese-filled tortellini bathed in a creamy, aromatic garlic Parmesan sauce, accompanied by succulent pieces of chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets. This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food that elevates a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy meal. The combination of savory flavors, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients makes this a perfect weeknight dinner that still feels special. You’ll learn how to create a balanced one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and impressive enough for company.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and indulgence. The cheese-filled tortellini provides a delightful bite that contrasts beautifully with the tender chunks of chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. What makes this dish truly exceptional is the velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that clings to every morsel, creating a luxurious eating experience without complicated techniques.

You’ll appreciate how this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something substantial yet easy. The combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta in one pot means less cleanup and a nutritionally complete meal. The aromatic blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a fragrant kitchen experience that will have everyone gathering around the table before you even announce dinner is ready.

Best of all, this tortellini dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers that taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients

For this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli, you’ll need:

• 16 oz (450g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups (280g) fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

The star of this dish is the cheese tortellini, which comes pre-filled with a delicious cheese mixture that adds richness. Fresh Parmesan cheese (not the shelf-stable kind) creates a silky sauce with unmatched flavor. For the broccoli, choose bright green heads with tight florets for the best texture and nutrient content.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli to restaurant quality, follow these essential techniques:

Perfect Chicken Texture: To avoid dry, rubbery chicken, season it well before cooking and sear it quickly over medium-high heat just until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through. It will finish cooking in the sauce, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat. Never overcrowd the pan, as this causes steaming rather than browning.

Creating a Silky Sauce: The key to a smooth, non-separating sauce is temperature control. After adding the cream, avoid boiling the sauce aggressively. Instead, maintain a gentle simmer. When incorporating the Parmesan, remove the pan from heat and stir gradually to prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or grainy. The residual heat will melt it perfectly.

Broccoli Doneness: For the ideal broccoli texture, blanch it separately in salted water for just 2 minutes before shocking in ice water. This preserves its bright green color and ensures it’s crisp-tender rather than mushy. Add it to the dish at the final stage of cooking to warm through without overcooking. This method guarantees broccoli that retains its nutrients and pleasant bite.

Instructions

Step 1

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the tortellini. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your chicken and vegetables. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures proper browning and flavor development.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides but not completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to let it brown or it will become bitter. Immediately pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful browned bits from cooking the chicken.

Step 4

Cook the tortellini in the boiling water according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes for fresh or 7-9 minutes for frozen, until just al dente. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking slightly in the sauce, so aim for slightly firmer than you’d typically serve it.

Step 5

While the tortellini cooks, reduce the heat under your skillet to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer – never a full boil – and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Step 6

Return the chicken to the skillet and add the broccoli florets. Cover and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. For perfect timing, add the broccoli with just enough time left for it to steam to your preferred tenderness.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Drain the tortellini and add it directly to the skillet, gently folding to coat it in the creamy sauce. Allow everything to rest for 1-2 minutes so the tortellini can absorb some of the sauce flavors.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli in warm bowls for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Transform this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli into a meat-free delight by omitting the chicken and substituting vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach for a similarly satisfying texture and additional nutrients. The earthy mushrooms particularly complement the garlic parmesan cream sauce for a rich umami flavor profile.

Seafood Twist: For a luxurious seafood version, replace the chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp or even chunks of salmon. Cook the seafood more gently than chicken, adding it to the sauce for just the last few minutes to prevent overcooking. This seafood tortellini variation creates an elegant dish perfect for special occasions or date nights at home.

Spicy Garlic Tortellini: Turn up the heat by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (chopped) to the sauce. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten all the flavors. This spicy variation adds complexity and a pleasant warmth that cuts through the richness of the creamy cheese sauce.

Storage and Serving

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revitalize the sauce, as it will thicken considerably when chilled. Warm gently over medium-low heat or microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.

For serving, pair this creamy tortellini dish with a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sauce. The bright acidity provides a perfect counterbalance to the creamy pasta. Alternatively, serve with garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

For an elevated presentation, serve the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli in warmed pasta bowls and finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, and a few cracks of black pepper. This restaurant-style finishing touch makes even a weeknight dinner feel special.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Add it directly to the sauce without thawing, but extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. The texture will be slightly softer than fresh broccoli, but the flavor will still be excellent.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of flour. You can also use 1/2 cup of cream cheese mixed with 1/2 cup of milk for a similarly creamy texture with less fat.

Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to 2 days ahead. When reheating, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken in the refrigerator. Heat gently to prevent the sauce from breaking.

What tortellini varieties work best?
Cheese tortellini is traditional, but spinach, mushroom, or herb varieties also work beautifully. The filling should complement the garlic Parmesan sauce without competing with it.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to this recipe?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk thickened with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still achieve a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and nutritious broccoli all embraced by a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, yet requires minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this versatile one-pot meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors with home-cooked love. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a reliable crowd-pleaser that satisfies both your craving for indulgence and your need for practical, wholesome meals.

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