This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a warm hug on a plate! It’s packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, all mingling with fresh broccoli for a colorful twist.
Who doesn’t love a meal that feels fancy but is so easy to make? I whip this up on busy nights and feel like a kitchen superstar! Just cook, stir, and enjoy the yumminess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, but you can use thighs for more flavor or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’d like a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or mushrooms instead!
Tortellini: I recommend refrigerated cheese tortellini for its texture and flavor. If you want to switch it up, frozen tortellini works too. You could also try gnocchi for a different bite.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds healthy crunch and color. If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli florets can be used, just ensure to thaw them first. Green beans or spinach are great alternatives if you prefer those instead.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or use a plant-based cream if you’re avoiding dairy. Coconut cream can also add a unique flavor, just keep that in mind when seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a creamy sauce, but if you’re out, pre-grated Parmesan will do. You can also substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Making a creamy sauce can seem tricky, but it’s all about the balance of ingredients and cooking time. To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Start by sautéing garlic in oil or butter over medium heat to unlock flavor—avoid burning it!
- Add in the chicken broth and cream, stirring gently. This helps build the base of your sauce.
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, not a boil, to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Incorporate the cheese last; it melts evenly when added to the warm sauce.
If your sauce is too thick, just splash in some additional broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. This way, you’ll always end up with a deliciously creamy dish!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (9 oz/250g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. So, in just 30 minutes, you can create a rich, creamy dish that serves 4 people! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Then add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You should see small bubbles forming, but it shouldn’t be boiling.
4. Add the Broccoli:
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still bright green—a little crunch is great!
5. Prepare the Tortellini:
While the broccoli is cooking, prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions (usually boiling for 3-5 minutes). Once they’re cooked, drain them, and add them to the skillet with the broccoli.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken. If it gets too thick, a splash of chicken broth or cream will help loosen it up.
7. Final Touches:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. You want it flavorful!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal with family and friends!
FAQ – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw it beforehand. You can quickly run it under warm water or microwave it for a few minutes. Add it to the skillet toward the end of cooking, since it’s already blanched.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a flavorful sauce.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Definitely! If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or try a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different taste. Just keep the cheese flavor in mind when adjusting seasoning!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.
