This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a comforting dish that’s sure to warm your heart! The cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender tortellini and fresh broccoli.
Trust me, it all comes together so easily. Just cook everything up in one pot—less mess for me to clean! Plus, I love how the garlic makes the kitchen smell amazing. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for quick cooking. If you need a substitute, try diced rotisserie chicken or for a lighter option, consider using turkey instead!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrients. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli works too—just adjust cooking time. Spinach or peas are nice alternatives as well.
Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini gives a delicious, cheesy flavor. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortellini or other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for that rich taste. If you’re out, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Curdling?
Getting the sauce creamy without curdling can be tricky, but it’s all about the timing and temperature!
- Use low heat when adding heavy cream to avoid it curdling. Don’t let it boil rapidly.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese while keeping the sauce over low heat, allowing it to melt smoothly.
- If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or cream.
Follow these tips for a creamy, cheesy result every time! Enjoy your meal prep, and remember—cooking is all about having fun in the kitchen!
How to Make 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
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 (9 oz/250g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Finishing Touches:
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cut chicken pieces and cook them until they are browned and no longer pink inside, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter!
3. Cooking the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook them for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender.
4. Making the Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a nice, creamy base for your dish!
5. Cooking the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated tortellini to the skillet and cover it. Cook according to the package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes) until the tortellini is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Finishing the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If you decide to use red pepper flakes for a little heat, now’s the time to add them!
7. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined and heated through. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!
8. Seasoning to Perfection:
Season your dish with salt, black pepper, and adjust according to your taste. Give it a final stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
9. Garnishing:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini warm and enjoy your delicious meal! Feel free to pair it with a side salad for a complete dinner!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option. Just add it directly to the skillet during the sautéing step and cook for an extra minute or two until warmed through. No need to thaw in advance!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be a bit thinner, so you might want to add a little extra cheese for creaminess!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, like sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will still give you a delicious and creamy dish!
