Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli – Creamy, Flavorful Comfort Food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a creamy, indulgent dish that perfectly balances flavor and texture. The combination of tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce makes this a comforting yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe is sure to please.

• Creamy and Flavorful: The garlic Parmesan sauce is rich and velvety, coating every bite of pasta and chicken.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process make this a hassle-free meal.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love.
• Perfect Balance of Protein and Veggies: The chicken adds a hearty protein component, while the broccoli provides a fresh, slightly crisp contrast.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini
• Chicken breast
• Broccoli florets
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Boil the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
5. Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce evenly coats all ingredients.
7. Season to Taste: Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Serve and Garnish: Plate the dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

• Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Go Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add mushrooms or spinach for a meat-free option.
• Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have tortellini, try ravioli or even penne.
• Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately, then combine everything when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well. Simply adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What other vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus all pair well with this dish.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables complement it beautifully.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a little more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut.

How can I make the dish even cheesier?

Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or an extra dose of Parmesan for more cheesiness.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While tortellini and the creamy sauce may not freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then add fresh pasta when reheating.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and well-seasoned chicken makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it out for your next meal, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner right at home!

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