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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful dinner that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy chicken breast, and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals and family-friendly gatherings.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts

Pasta & Vegetables

  • 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce Components

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Cooking Fats & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (plus extra for sauce)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to blanch until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Return the pan used for chicken to the stove and melt additional butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces and add it to the sauce along with the tortellini and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor impact over garlic powder.
  • Blanch broccoli briefly to keep it vibrant and crunchy, avoiding overcooking.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh to ensure meltability and freshness.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
  • If sauce is too thick, thin it by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Not gluten free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, Garlic Parmesan Sauce, Quick Italian Dinner