Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Contents show

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients List

2.1 For the Main Dish:

2.2 For the Sauce:

3 Step-by-Step Instructions

3.1 1. Cook the Chicken

3.2 2. Prepare the Sauce

3.3 3. Combine & Serve

3.4 4. Garnish & Enjoy

4 Health Benefits of This Dish

5 Serving Suggestions

6 Tips & Variations

7 Storage & Reheating Tips

8 FAQs

8.1 1. Can I use frozen tortellini?

8.2 2. What if my sauce is too thick?

8.3 3. Can I make this ahead of time?

8.4 4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

9 History of Tortellini

10 Conclusion

11 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

11.1 Description

11.2 Ingredients

11.3 Instructions

11.4 1. Cook the Chicken

11.5 2. Prepare the Sauce

11.6 3. Combine & Serve

11.7 4. Garnish & Enjoy

11.8 Equipment

11.9 Notes

11.10 Nutrition

11.11 Did you make this recipe?

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There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy pasta dish to bring comfort and satisfaction to your table. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a hearty, indulgent meal that’s bursting with rich flavors. The combination of cheese-filled tortellini, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, all coated in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, makes this a dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family or guests. The best part? It’s highly customizable, allowing you to tweak ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a meal prep favorite, or simply a way to satisfy your craving for creamy pasta, this recipe is a must-try.

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Rich & Creamy – The homemade Parmesan sauce is smooth, cheesy, and full of flavor.
• Packed with Protein – The combination of chicken and cheese tortellini makes this meal hearty and satisfying.
• A Balanced Dish – Broccoli adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce while providing essential vitamins and fiber.
• Customizable – You can switch up the protein, vegetables, or spice level to suit your taste.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish has that luxurious, creamy taste that feels like something you’d order at a fancy Italian restaurant—but made easily in your kitchen.

Ingredients List

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Main Dish:

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or cooked

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine.
• Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
• Add red pepper flakes (optional) for a little heat.

3. Combine & Serve

• Cook tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain well.
• Stir in the cooked tortellini, chicken, and steamed broccoli into the sauce, making sure everything is well-coated.
• Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, adding extra chicken broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

4. Garnish & Enjoy

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness.

Health Benefits of This Dish

This meal is not only delicious but also offers some great health benefits:

• High in Protein – The chicken and cheese tortellini provide a good amount of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
• Rich in Calcium – Parmesan cheese and heavy cream contribute to your daily calcium intake, supporting bone health.
• Nutrient-Packed – Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making this a well-balanced meal.
• Good for Energy – The combination of carbs from the tortellini and healthy fats from the sauce gives you sustained energy throughout the day.

By making small tweaks, like using whole wheat pasta or reducing the cream, you can adjust the meal to suit your dietary preferences while still enjoying a comforting dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
• Add a fresh side salad, such as a Caesar salad or a light garden salad, for balance.
• Serve with a glass of lemonade or white wine to complement the creamy flavors.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the Protein – Instead of chicken, try shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different take.
• Make it Healthier – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and replace cheese tortellini with whole wheat pasta.
• Add More Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would blend perfectly into the dish.
• Spice it Up – Add more red pepper flakes, black pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce can change texture when frozen. If necessary, freeze only the cooked chicken and tortellini (without sauce) for later use.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

2. What if my sauce is too thick?

Thin it out with extra chicken broth or milk, stirring gently to maintain the creamy consistency.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. When ready to serve, cook the tortellini fresh and reheat everything together.

4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a plant-based version.

History of Tortellini

Tortellini is a traditional Italian pasta originating from the Emilia-Romagna region, particularly the cities of Bologna and Modena. These small, ring-shaped dumplings are typically filled with cheese, meat, or a mixture of both and are often served in broth or creamy sauces.

Legend has it that tortellini was inspired by the shape of the Roman goddess Venus’s navel, and chefs have been perfecting the recipe for centuries. Today, tortellini is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide in a variety of preparations, from soups to rich pasta dishes like this one.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a dish you’ll come back to again and again. With tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a smooth, garlicky Parmesan sauce, every bite is comforting, creamy, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this quick and easy 30-minute meal is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.

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