This dish is a warm hug in a bowl! Creamy garlic sauce coats tender chicken and cheesy tortellini, all mixed with bright broccoli for a tasty meal that’s easy to love.
Cooking this is like a little kitchen magic—I just simmer the sauce and then toss everything together. Perfect for busy nights when I need comfort food fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer, you can substitute with grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time, or use shrimp for a different take.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch, but frozen works too. If you’re not a fan, try spinach or peas instead for a different twist!
Tortellini: I love using cheese tortellini for its flavor. You could switch to spinach or mushroom tortellini if you want to change things up. They’re all delicious!
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish a rich creaminess. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best. In a pinch, use shredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. Just remember that pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt quite as smoothly.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Smooth and Creamy?
To get a silky sauce, combine your ingredients just right! When adding shredded Parmesan, do it gradually while stirring. This helps the cheese melt evenly and avoid clumps.
- Start by simmering the cream and chicken broth together gently. Never let it boil vigorously to keep the sauce from separating.
- Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 package (about 9 oz/250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you can enjoy this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli in about 30-35 minutes. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer—this will create a lovely, creamy sauce!
4. Add Cheese:
Slowly stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts completely. The sauce should become thick and creamy at this point. If it seems too thick, a splash of more broth or cream can help thin it out.
5. Cook Tortellini and Broccoli:
Add the tortellini and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook according to the tortellini package instructions—usually about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tortellini is tender and the broccoli is bright green.
6. Combine and Heat Through:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix everything together. Heat for an additional 2 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
7. Season and Serve:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, if you like.
Enjoy your delicious creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli—it’s simple, comforting, and sure to be a hit!
FAQ About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Absolutely! You can substitute frozen tortellini for fresh. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as stated on the package. Frozen tortellini usually takes a bit longer to cook, so keep an eye on it while it simmers.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute works well, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so all veggies are tender but still vibrant.
