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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner recipe featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy chicken breast, and vibrant broccoli florets all coated in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. This dish offers a rich, creamy flavor paired with balanced nutrition and quick preparation, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed or sliced

Vegetables

  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Fats and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince the garlic, and cube or slice the chicken breast into even pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
  2. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Chicken and Broccoli: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the broccoli until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, sautéed broccoli, and drained tortellini into the skillet. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal touch and serve hot for a comforting, indulgent dinner.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the tortellini; cooking it al dente prevents mushiness when combined with the sauce.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and keep the meat juicy.
  • Sauté garlic lightly to avoid bitterness and maintain its aromatic flavor.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and smooth sauce texture.
  • Sauté broccoli until crisp-tender to keep nutrients and pleasant texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Contains Dairy, Gluten (unless gluten-free tortellini used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan tortellini, chicken tortellini recipe, broccoli pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta, easy weeknight meal, garlic parmesan sauce