This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is pure comfort food! The tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and bright broccoli swim in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s hard to resist.
Make sure to have some bread on hand; you’ll want to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce! I love how quick it is to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this dish since it cooks quickly. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute. You can just shred it and add it toward the end to warm it up.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and color. If fresh isn’t available, frozen florets work just fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is my favorite here. If you want something lighter, you can use spinach or whole wheat varieties. Or even replace it with gnocchi for a different twist!
Heavy Cream: It creates that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce won’t be as rich. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor, but pre-grated works too. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano has a similar taste. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative!
What’s the Best Way to Get Creamy Sauce?
To achieve that perfect creamy sauce, the technique matters! Here’s how to do it:
- First, brown the chicken well before removing it from the pan. This adds flavor!
- When you add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stir constantly to combine fully. This ensures they blend seamlessly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently; this helps it thicken and enhances the flavors.
- Lastly, adding Parmesan cheese off the heat or when the pan is at lower temperature will keep it from clumping and give you that silky texture.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For The Pasta & Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
For The Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep work and 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re browned on the outside and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Prepare the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which should take around 3 minutes. After that, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells wonderful!
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start thickening the sauce.
4. Cook the Broccoli and Tortellini:
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets and the cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cover it up and let everything cook according to the tortellini package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally!
5. Combine Everything:
Once the tortellini is cooked, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir everything to combine well, then add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes, continuing to mix gently.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once it’s perfect, garnish with the chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your cozy meal!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed zip-top bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Tortellini?
If you don’t have tortellini, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand! Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type (cooking it separately may be necessary). Bowtie, penne, or even gnocchi would work wonderfully!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce before reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add extra protein like chickpeas or tofu for a satisfying meal!
