There is something truly irresistible about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort meal for any day of the week. Combining tender cheese tortellini, juicy bites of seasoned chicken, and vibrant green broccoli with a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Every forkful wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, making this dish not only delicious but also incredibly rewarding to prepare and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish shine. From the rich cream and Parmesan to the fresh broccoli, every component plays a vital role.
- Cheese tortellini: Use fresh or refrigerated for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture that carries the sauce perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly, ensuring tender, juicy bites.
- Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and a healthy crunch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the chicken and garlic with just the right richness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the sauce with its signature fragrant, savory punch.
- Heavy cream: The key to that dreamy, velvety sauce that coats every ingredient with lusciousness.
- Chicken broth: Adds a subtle depth and balances the richness of the cream without overpowering the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for sharp, salty umami flavor that defines the dish.
- Butter: Adds silkiness to the sauce and helps carry the garlic flavor perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors in each bite.
- Paprika (optional): A hint of smoky warmth that elevates the chicken with a subtle kick.
- Fresh parsley: Chop and sprinkle on top to brighten the plate and add a touch of freshness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your cheese tortellini and cook them just according to the package instructions until tender but still holding shape. Then drain them well and set aside to keep warm. Cooking the tortellini perfectly gives you that satisfying bite that contrasts so nicely against the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While the tortellini cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they turn a bright, appetizing green and become slightly tender. This quick cooking preserves their crunch and vibrant color, adding a fresh textural element to the dish. Drain them and set aside as well.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika if you like a little extra warmth. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside, sealing in those juicy flavors. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside for the sauce step.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt the butter and add minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant — about a minute or less to avoid any bitter undertones. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to meld and thicken slightly. Then whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats your spoon beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir everything together to ensure every piece is luxuriously coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan goodness. Let it simmer for just a couple more minutes so the flavors marry perfectly and the dish is piping hot.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and herbal brightness that complements the richness. A little extra Parmesan sprinkled on top can bring a delightful final touch and extra savoriness.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that magnificent sauce. A simple roasted vegetable medley can also add more variety to the plate without overpowering the main feature.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, serve this recipe in shallow bowls, allowing guests to enjoy the creamy sauce pooled at the bottom. Garnishing with a lemon wedge on the side can add an optional zesty twist. You could also layer the tortellini and chicken in a casserole dish, bake it briefly with some extra cheese on top, and serve it hot and bubbly for a different, crowd-pleasing feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
While fresh tortellini dishes freeze best on their own, you can freeze the whole cooked mixture. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the broccoli might soften upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed reheated gently.
Reheating
When ready to eat, reheat the leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk will help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works well in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as indicated on the package to ensure they cook through properly without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken and perhaps adding sautéed mushrooms or more broccoli for protein and texture. Using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth keeps the sauce flavorful and vegetarian-friendly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
A great substitute is half-and-half mixed with a little butter to mimic the richness of heavy cream, or you can use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly, but it still makes for a delicious sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling?
Simmer the cream sauce gently over medium to low heat and avoid boiling it vigorously after adding the cheese. Stirring continuously and adding cheese gradually also helps keep the sauce smooth and silky rather than grainy or separated.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can cook the tortellini and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, steam the broccoli fresh and quickly reheat everything together in the sauce for a fast and fresh dinner experience.
Final Thoughts
Making and sharing this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy culinary hug. It’s approachable yet impressive, comforting yet exciting. Give it a try and enjoy the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together with love and care in one creamy, garlicky, cheesy dish that everyone will adore.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken breast pieces, and vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are bright green and slightly tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside to preserve their vibrant color and texture.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing the garlic’s aromatic flavors.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, enhancing the savory depth of the dish.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, drained tortellini, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the combined ingredients to simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamier and more flavorful sauce.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or asparagus based on preference or seasonal availability.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the heavy cream to 3/4 cup and add extra chicken broth.
- Paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky note to the chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
