This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a warm hug in a bowl! It features tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli all tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce.
I love how quick this dish comes together. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending ages in the kitchen. It’s a family favorite for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for a quick cook. You can use thighs for more flavor or even substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini adds creamy richness. If you can’t find it, stuffed pasta like ravioli or even a different pasta shape, such as fusilli or penne, works great too!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and color. If you prefer, green beans or spinach work well as alternatives. Frozen broccoli is also an easy swap; just make sure to adjust cooking time.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and rich, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. If dairy-free, coconut cream or cashew cream is a good alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor. Store-bought grated cheese also works in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as smooth.
How Do I Ensure My Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
Making a creamy sauce can feel tricky, but it’s all about timing and heat. Start by sautéing the garlic gently; you want it to be fragrant without burning. The key steps are:
- After adding the cream and broth, let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld without boiling over.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese. This helps it melt evenly, keeping the sauce smooth.
- Adding broccoli to the sauce and covering it helps steam the broccoli, keeping it green and crisp while integrating its flavor into the sauce.
- Finally, toss everything together when the tortellini is cooked. This ensures each piece is coated evenly with the creamy deliciousness!
With these tips, your creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli will turn out perfect every time!
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 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy and delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and then another 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked all the way through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once it melts, add in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell the garlic, but be careful not to let it burn—it should be just fragrant!
3. Create the Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. This will help create a creamy base for your sauce.
4. Add Cheese:
Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli cook in the sauce for about 3-4 minutes, just until it’s tender but still a bit crisp.
6. Prepare the Tortellini:
As the broccoli cooks, prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside.
7. Combine Everything:
Now, add the tortellini to the skillet with the sauce and broccoli. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet as well. Gently toss everything together ensuring that all the ingredients are well coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your dish a taste and feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to suit your taste.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your creamy dish with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like! Serve it warm and enjoy your comforting meal.
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a delightful dish that the whole family will love. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option and cooks quickly. Just add it directly to the sauce without thawing; you may need to extend the cooking time by a minute or two to ensure it’s heated through and tender.
What If I Don’t Have Tortellini on Hand?
No worries! You can substitute tortellini with any stuffed pasta like ravioli or even regular pasta shapes such as penne or bowtie. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, ensuring it’s cooked al dente.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies or protein alternatives like chickpeas or mushrooms to make it heartier!
