This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli in a creamy sauce. Yum!
The best part? It’s quick and easy to make! I love how the flavors come together, and the broccoli adds a pop of color. Plus, you can never go wrong with garlic and cheese! 🧄🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts bring a light texture that’s easily cooked. If you prefer, you can swap it with diced thighs for a juicier flavor or even use rotisserie chicken for quick prep!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives not just color but also a nice crunch. If it’s out of season, frozen broccoli works well, too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first!
Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini is ideal here. You can replace it with other stuffed pasta like ravioli or even use whole wheat versions for a healthier twist.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream could be used, though the texture might differ slightly. I love keeping the cream for that rich flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated! If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute that offers a similar taste.
How Do I Get the Cream Sauce Just Right?
Getting the creamy sauce perfect relies on the simmering process. Start by melting the butter and adding garlic for flavor. Then follow these steps:
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth to capture all those tasty bits stuck at the bottom.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently, about 3-4 minutes. This thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Add Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring until it’s melted and silky.
- Adjust seasoning as you like; taste tests help find that perfect balance!
This sauce should be velvety but not too thick. If it’s too thick, add a little more chicken broth to loosen it up.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 package (about 9 oz or 250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It includes boiling the pasta and broccoli, sautéing the chicken, and making the creamy sauce. Quick and satisfying for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and the fresh broccoli florets. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the broccoli is bright green but still crisp. After they are cooked, drain them well and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, season them with salt and pepper, and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, setting it aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium on your skillet, and add the butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
4. Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth right after the garlic is ready. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to your sauce. Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes so it can thicken slightly.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until it melts and the sauce becomes nice and smooth. Taste your sauce, and if needed, season it with more salt, pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli back into the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat it well with the creamy sauce. Heat it through for another 1-2 minutes, making sure everything’s warmed up nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and savor every creamy bite!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli! Just be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the dish. You may want to steam or lightly sauté it for better texture.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter to mimic the creaminess. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich, but it will still taste great!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of milk can help regain some creaminess if the sauce thickens.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition, and consider using plant-based tortellini if available.
