This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and broccoli, all smothered in a rich sauce that’s hard to resist.
I love that this dish is so easy to throw together on busy nights. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy all that cheesy goodness? It’s a guaranteed kiddo favorite at my dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean. You can swap them for rotisserie chicken to save time or even use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Tortellini: I usually go with cheese tortellini for that rich flavor, but you can use spinach or mushroom tortellini for a twist. Gluten-free tortellini is also a great option!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and nutrition. However, you can replace it with other veggies like spinach or peas, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk if you want a dairy-free alternative. It may change the flavor a bit, but it’s still delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is the way to go for its sharpness. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option can work, too.
How Do I Ensure My Tortellini Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking tortellini just right can make a big difference in your dish. Here’s how:
- Wait until your sauce is simmering before adding the tortellini. This ensures they get heated evenly.
- Follow the package cooking time as different brands may vary, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Once they float to the surface, they are typically done, but give them a taste test to confirm!
- After cooking, quickly drain and toss them in the sauce. This helps avoid them sticking together.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Veggies:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 2 cups)
For The Tortellini and Sauce:
- 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Garnishing:
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking! It’s quick and simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces that you’ve seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Add Garlic and Butter:
In the same skillet, toss in the butter followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to keep it fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic isn’t tasty!
3. Stir in the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp—just perfect!
4. Create the Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; it will start to look nice and creamy!
5. Add the Tortellini:
Now, it’s time to add the tortellini. Cover the skillet and cook according to the package instructions—usually, this takes about 3-5 minutes for them to cook through.
6. Mix in The Cheese:
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning. Mix everything well until your sauce is creamy and cheese has melted. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed!
7. Combine Everything:
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine all the ingredients. Heat everything through for an additional 2 minutes—just enough to make it warm and inviting!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve this creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini warm and enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking. You can thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply replace the chicken with your favorite meat substitute, like tofu or tempeh. Ensure to cook the tofu until golden, just like you would with chicken. You can also toss in more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works well too, although it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave. To refresh the creamy texture, consider adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating.
