Print

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

4.5 from 54 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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