If you’re searching for a creamy, comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli is the answer. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a busy family meal, or even a weekend treat, this dish combines tender chicken, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and vibrant broccoli with delicate cheese-filled tortellini. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for any time you need a comforting meal without the fuss.
This recipe is a family favorite in many households, offering a delicious balance of creamy, cheesy goodness, plus the perfect amount of savory chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this crowd-pleasing dish that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli
There’s something about a creamy pasta dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special, and this garlic parmesan creation checks all the boxes. Here’s why it should be on your menu:
- Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner when you want something satisfying but don’t have all day to cook.
- Balanced and Nutritious: The combination of tender chicken, broccoli, and cheese tortellini offers a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and packed with protein, veggies, and hearty pasta.
- Versatile: While this dish is delicious as is, it’s highly adaptable. Add your favorite veggies, swap out the chicken for shrimp or beef, or play around with different cheeses for a twist on the classic.
This meal is not only rich and creamy but also guarantees that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken tortellini and broccoli, here’s a list of ingredients that will come together to create a meal everyone will love.
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Cheese-filled tortellini adds a delightful burst of flavor, but you can also experiment with other pasta shapes if you prefer. - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
The chicken provides a lean source of protein and adds a savory element to this rich and creamy dish. - 2 tbsp olive oil
Olive oil helps cook the chicken to golden perfection, adding flavor and richness to the overall dish. - 4 garlic cloves, minced
Garlic is a key ingredient, infusing the sauce with a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy base. - 1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream is essential for that luxurious, velvety sauce texture. - ½ cup chicken broth
Chicken broth enhances the overall flavor and balances out the richness of the cream. - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully into the sauce and give it a sharp, nutty flavor. - 2 cups broccoli florets
Broccoli adds a refreshing crunch and helps balance the richness of the sauce. - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme gives this dish a classic Italian flavor. - Salt and black pepper, to taste
Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors and enhance the overall dish. - Fresh parsley, for garnish
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to this rich, creamy dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this hearty, comforting dish. With simple instructions and minimal prep, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
The first step is to cook the cheese tortellini to perfection.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions.
- For fresh tortellini: cook for 3–5 minutes.
- For frozen tortellini: cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside.
This step is quick and easy, and the soft, pillowy pasta will be the perfect vehicle for that creamy garlic parmesan sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the tortellini is cooking, it’s time to cook the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Searing the chicken in olive oil ensures a crispy, flavorful outer layer, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It adds so much flavor to the dish!
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Now comes the magic—the rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce!
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and continue to mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
The garlic infuses the sauce with flavor, while the heavy cream and chicken broth come together to create a luxuriously creamy texture. Parmesan adds the final touch, lending its salty, nutty richness to the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring everything together.
- Add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and tortellini to the skillet with the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Toss everything together until everything is well-coated in the sauce and heated through.
The broccoli will soften just enough to retain its crunch, while absorbing the flavors of the sauce. The tortellini will soak up the creamy goodness, and the chicken will add a savory contrast to the creamy texture.
Step 5: Final Touches & Serve
Before serving, give the dish a quick taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Serve immediately, and watch as everyone at the table digs in with delight. Whether you’re serving it with a side salad or simply on its own, this dish is bound to satisfy all appetites.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli
To make sure your dish turns out absolutely perfect, here are some expert tips:
- Use Fresh Tortellini: If possible, opt for fresh cheese tortellini. It cooks quicker and has a much softer texture, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Add More Veggies: While broccoli is the star, you can add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
- Chicken Variations: Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, ground turkey, or even steak depending on your preference.
- Make it Spicy: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make extra! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli dish is versatile enough for a quick weeknight meal or an indulgent weekend treat. It’s also easy to scale up if you’re serving a crowd. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family gathering, this recipe fits the bill. The balance of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and tender tortellini will quickly become a go-to in your recipe repertoire.
Final Thoughts: A Delicious Comfort Meal You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli is a must-try! It’s rich, flavorful, and quick to make—a perfect combination for busy days when you want something comforting and satisfying. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this meal proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special.
Give this recipe a try and share it with your friends and family. We promise it will become an instant favorite! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your delicious creation and share it on social media—everyone will want to know how you made this scrumptious meal!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes