Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food that perfectly balances savory, creamy, and fresh flavors. It’s a one-pan dish that brings together the richness of garlic and Parmesan sauce, the heartiness of chicken, and the nutrition-packed crunch of broccoli, all nestled among soft, pillowy tortellini. This dish is the embodiment of comfort, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal or even a special occasion.

What makes this dish so appealing is its simplicity. With a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying, yet it doesn’t take hours of preparation. The creamy sauce ties everything together, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. This is a dish that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation, especially when you’re looking for something easy, comforting, and filling.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. Whether you prefer using store-bought tortellini or making your own, and whether you like it with chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option, this recipe can be tailored to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. It’s easy to make it lighter or heartier, depending on your needs. The sauce itself is rich and creamy, thanks to the combination of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan, but you can make adjustments to control the richness and calorie count.

In this recipe, we’ll take you through each step to ensure that your dish is cooked perfectly, and we’ll provide tips for variations, substitutions, and meal prep ideas so you can make the dish fit your unique needs. Let’s get started with the Ingredient List so you can gather everything you need to create this delicious dish!

Step-by-Step Preparation

The key to making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is layering flavors while ensuring everything is cooked just right. Follow these steps, and you’ll be able to create a dish that’s creamy, savory, and satisfying!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken:
   Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. If you want to add a little extra flavor, feel free to sprinkle some garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) on the chicken.

2. Cook the chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

   • Tip: If you’re using chicken thighs, they may take a little longer to cook through than breasts due to their extra moisture. If necessary, reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks through.

3. Rest the chicken:
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender and moist.

4. Slice the chicken:
   After the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Cut the broccoli:
   While the chicken is cooking, wash and cut the broccoli into small florets. You can also peel and slice the stem if you like, as it’s tender and edible.

2. Blanch the broccoli:
   Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.

   • Tip: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli. The goal is to keep it vibrant and slightly crunchy to contrast with the creamy sauce later.

3. Drain and set aside:
   Once cooked, drain the broccoli and immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process (optional). If you prefer, you can also sauté the broccoli briefly in the skillet after removing the chicken for added flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

1. Boil the tortellini:
   In a large pot of salted water, bring the water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini usually cooks in about 3-5 minutes, while frozen tortellini can take a little longer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Drain the tortellini:
   Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.

   • Tip: Avoid overcooking the tortellini, as it can become mushy. Al dente is the ideal texture here.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Melt the butter:
   In the same skillet that you used to cook the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it will pick up some of the flavors left behind from the chicken.

2. Sauté the garlic:
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

3. Add the cream:
   Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Allow the sauce to cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   • Tip: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

4. Add the Parmesan cheese:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the tortellini:
   Once the sauce is creamy and well-combined, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently stir the tortellini into the sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated with the creamy mixture.

2. Add the chicken and broccoli:
   Add the sliced chicken and cooked broccoli to the skillet. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the chicken and broccoli are evenly distributed throughout the tortellini and sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

   • Tip: If you want the chicken and broccoli to absorb more of the sauce, you can cook everything together for a few extra minutes over low heat.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve:
   Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, it’s time to serve! Scoop generous portions of the creamy tortellini, chicken, and broccoli onto plates.

2. Garnish:
   For added flavor and color, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil on top. You can also add a few cracks of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of richness.

3. Optional sides:
   Serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even roasted vegetables. This dish is filling on its own, but these sides can complement it beautifully.

Step 7: Enjoy

Now that your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is ready, it’s time to dig in and enjoy this rich, comforting meal! The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce perfectly coats the tortellini, while the tender chicken and bright broccoli provide a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.