Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a rich and comforting pasta dish combining tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, and cheese-filled tortellini in a luscious garlic-infused parmesan cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a family-friendly, satisfying meal packed with protein and greens, all coated in a velvety, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- Cheese-filled tortellini pasta – 9 oz (about 1 package)
- Broccoli florets – 2 cups fresh
Protein
- Chicken breasts – 2 medium (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless
Sauce
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 3 cloves, freshly minced
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese – 3/4 cup freshly grated
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Cooking Oil
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest before slicing.
- Cook the tortellini and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes. In the last two minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water to soften slightly while retaining some crunch. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy garlic parmesan sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Slice the rested chicken and arrange on top or stir through the pasta mixture. Let everything heat through for another minute.
- Serve and enjoy: Plate the creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli immediately for best creamy texture. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for smooth melting and better flavor.
- Don’t overcook broccoli; it should remain slightly crisp and vibrant.
- Cook tortellini al dente to maintain its shape in the sauce.
- Sear chicken well to develop a flavorful golden crust and lock in juices.
- Simmer sauce gently over low heat to prevent curdling.
- Let the sliced chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan tortellini, chicken and broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy tortellini recipe
