This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With the tender tortellini, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and savory garlic-Parmesan sauce, you’ll find this meal both satisfying and simple to prepare. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious recipe from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that everyone will love.
- Nutritious and Filling: With lean chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tortellini.
- Versatile: You can easily modify ingredients to suit your taste.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just feed a hungry family, this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is bound to be a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying meal:
Essential Ingredients
- Cheese Tortellini (16 oz) – These little pasta pockets are cheesy, tender, and oh-so-delicious.
- Grilled Chicken Breasts (2, sliced) – Provides lean protein and a smoky, savory flavor.
- Broccoli Florets (2 cups, steamed) – Adds color, crunch, and essential vitamins.
- Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups) – Forms the creamy base of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup) – Rich and nutty, Parmesan brings a distinct depth of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – A must-have for that bold, fragrant taste.
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Helps bind and enrich the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning the dish.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes – Add a pinch for a spicy kick.
- Spinach – Add a handful for extra greens and color.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes – Adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and unforgettable pasta dish.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Tortellini
1. Cook the Tortellini
Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Make the Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your liking. This sauce is what gives the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli its rich, velvety texture.
4. Add Chicken and Broccoli
Add the steamed broccoli, cooked tortellini, and sliced grilled chicken into the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce, ensuring that the tortellini and broccoli soak up all the flavors.
5. Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one last gentle toss, and serve hot. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for a finishing touch!
Notes and Tips for Success
Making a memorable Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is easy with these simple tips:
- Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-packaged varieties.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steam broccoli until it’s bright green and slightly tender for the perfect texture.
- Try Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, shrimp or sausage can also pair well with this dish.
- Double the Recipe for Leftovers: This dish stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
This recipe is not only delicious but also packs a mix of essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown:
Nutrition Details per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 25% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 40% of Daily Value
- Iron: 15% of Daily Value
Health Benefits
- Broccoli: Loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that support immune function and heart health.
- Chicken: A lean source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and energy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers calcium for bone health and adds depth to the creamy sauce.
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Yes! This recipe can be made up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if necessary to keep the sauce creamy.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese. You can also use whole-wheat tortellini for added fiber.
Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can all be great additions to this recipe, adding more flavor, color, and nutrients.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may cause the sauce to separate or become grainy, so it’s not recommended for freezing.
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine makes an excellent pairing to round out this meal.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for special occasions. With its creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, juicy chicken, and tender broccoli, this dish is bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or cozy evenings, this tortellini recipe is sure to become a staple in your household!
More Relevant Recipes
- Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a deliciously creamy pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, juicy grilled chicken, and fresh broccoli tossed in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s a hearty, comforting meal perfect for weeknights or special gatherings!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the steamed broccoli, cooked tortellini, and sliced chicken into the skillet. Stir well, ensuring everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, give it one last stir, and serve hot!
Notes
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan for a stronger, richer flavor.
- Add Some Spice: For a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce while it’s cooking.
- Try Different Tortellini: If you prefer, you can use spinach or meat-stuffed tortellini for extra variety.
- Cook Chicken with Care: Overcooking chicken can make it tough. Grill or pan-fry just until it’s no longer pink in the middle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg