Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that comes together quickly. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy garlic sauce, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot. Drain both together and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine, warming it through.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Add the drained tortellini and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Step 7: Cook for another minute so the flavors meld together, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh tortellini for an even more tender texture.
- Swap broccoli with spinach or asparagus for a different vegetable option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be thinner.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before adding to avoid excess water in the dish.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best for the sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce. Pre-grated varieties are convenient but may not melt as well.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal combining tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy chicken pieces, and crisp broccoli all tossed in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
Pasta
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Cut the broccoli into small florets and wash thoroughly.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté with the garlic for about 4-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender.
- Add tortellini and cream: Pour in the heavy cream and add the tortellini to the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything. Allow the cream to come to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer until tortellini is cooked: Cover the skillet and let the tortellini cook in the cream for about 5-7 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate chicken and Parmesan: Once the tortellini is cooked, add the diced chicken and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Final touches: Allow the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring. Once the sauce coats the ingredients well and everything is hot, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken to reduce overall cooking time.
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini can be substituted as needed.
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Tortellini, Chicken and Broccoli, Creamy Pasta, One-Pan Meal, Quick Dinner
