Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cheese tortellini
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook tortellini according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and cook until bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Step 5: Stir in Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.
6. Step 6: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to combine and heat through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Swap broccoli with spinach or asparagus for different vegetable options.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
• If you prefer, cook the chicken in advance and shred it before adding to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just follow the package instructions for cooking and be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats nicely and makes a great meal prep option. Keep sauce and pasta refrigerated separately if possible to maintain texture.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 90 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and crisp broccoli tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. This easy skillet dish combines sautéed chicken and garlic with a luscious cream sauce for a comforting weeknight meal.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Tortellini

• 12 ounces cheese tortellini
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken and Tortellini: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: Lower heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the broccoli florets and cook until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Season and Return Chicken: Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the creamy sauce.
6. Combine Tortellini and Serve: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and gently toss everything together to heat through evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute broccoli with spinach or asparagus for a different vegetable twist.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Tortellini recipe, creamy chicken pasta, easy skillet meal, broccoli pasta, Italian dinner