Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Introduction: The Dish That Has It All

There’s something magical about a skillet dinner that checks all the boxes—flavorful, filling, comforting, and quick to make. Enter: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli.

Imagine bite-sized chicken breast pieces seared until golden, nestled among soft, cheesy tortellini and tender green broccoli florets. The entire dish is coated in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a dinner you can whip up in under 40 minutes, but it tastes like something from your favorite restaurant.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or serving guests with minimal fuss, this recipe is sure to impress. And best of all? It only uses one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this recipe should land a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation:

Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes.
One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, more flavor.
Family Favorite – Kids and adults both love it.
Balanced – Creamy pasta with veggies and lean protein.
Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your mood or diet.

This is the kind of comfort food that satisfies without being overly heavy. It’s indulgent, but smartly so.

Ingredient Breakdown & Substitution Guide

Every ingredient in this dish plays a role in achieving the right texture, taste, and heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus tips for substitutions:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose / Substitution
Boneless, skinless chicken breast	2 large (about 1 lb)	Can sub with chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken
Cheese tortellini	12 oz (refrigerated)	Fresh is ideal; frozen works too if thawed
Broccoli florets	2 cups	Use fresh or thawed frozen; blanch ahead if preferred
Garlic	3 cloves, minced	Essential for depth of flavor
Heavy cream	1 cup	Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce
Parmesan cheese	½ cup grated	Freshly grated melts best
Chicken broth	½ cup	Adds savory depth without extra cream
Olive oil	1 tbsp	For browning the chicken
Butter	2 tbsp	Adds richness to both sauce and chicken
Italian seasoning	1 tsp	Or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme
Salt and pepper	To taste	Season generously as you go

Optional Extras

Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Lemon zest or juice for brightness
Spinach, mushrooms, or peas for more veggie power
Mozzarella or cream cheese for added creaminess

Choosing the Right Tortellini

The tortellini you use can make or break this dish. Here’s how to choose wisely:

🟢 Best Options:

Fresh refrigerated tortellini – cooks quickly and holds shape well
Cheese-filled varieties – mild, creamy, and blend well with garlic parmesan sauce

🔴 Avoid:

Dried tortellini – too firm and takes too long to cook in the sauce
Overstuffed jumbo varieties – can burst or become mushy

Want to switch it up? Try spinach & cheese or mushroom & ricotta varieties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break it down in easy, detailed steps:

🔪 Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or cubes.
Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches for better browning.

🥦 Step 2: Cook Broccoli and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in broccoli and cook for 3–5 minutes until vibrant green and just tender.
Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Tip: Want crisper broccoli? Par-steam it and add it at the end.

🧄 Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
Slowly whisk in grated parmesan cheese until fully melted.
Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt, pepper, and remaining Italian seasoning.

Tip: Stir frequently to avoid clumps and prevent scorching.

🍝 Step 4: Simmer Tortellini in Sauce

Stir uncooked tortellini directly into the sauce.
Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check for doneness—tortellini should be soft and slightly plump.

Tip: If sauce thickens too much, splash in a bit more broth or cream.

🧀 Step 5: Combine Everything

Return chicken and broccoli to the pan.
Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly in the sauce.
Let it heat through for another 2–3 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving Ideas

Dish it up hot and serve immediately! Consider garnishing with:

Freshly grated parmesan
Cracked black pepper
Chopped parsley or basil
A drizzle of truffle oil (optional)

Serve With:

Garlic bread or a warm baguette
Green salad with vinaigrette
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerating:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Microwave: Reheat with a splash of milk or cream for 1–2 minutes.
Stovetop: Reheat on low, stirring gently and adding liquid to loosen.

Freezing:

Not recommended. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed.

Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations

🥬 Vegetarian Version

Omit chicken and use vegetable broth.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.

🐟 Seafood Twist

Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops.
Season seafood with paprika and lemon zest.

🌶️ Spicy Kick

Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Stir in a few spoonfuls of chili oil before serving.

🧑‍🍳 Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of cream.
Use just ¼ cup cheese and sub with low-fat milk and cornstarch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes. Cook it according to package instructions first, then stir into the sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Add it at the end to heat through without drying it out.

What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

Substitute with pecorino, Romano, or a mix of mozzarella and cream cheese.

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a little more broth or cream and stir well. Keep the heat low while simmering.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook all the components separately and assemble when ready to serve. Reheat gently.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 620
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
(Values will vary based on brands and substitutions.)

Recipe Card

markdownCopyEditCreamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Season chicken and sear in olive oil and butter. Remove.
2. Sauté garlic and broccoli in same pan. Remove.
3. Add cream, broth, and cheese. Simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in tortellini and cook for 4–5 minutes.
5. Return chicken and broccoli. Stir to combine and heat through.
6. Serve with extra parmesan and enjoy!

More Dinners Like This One

If you love this kind of cozy, satisfying dinner, try these next:

🧄 Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – With spinach, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
🐔 Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake – Creamy, cheesy, oven-baked goodness.
🌶️ Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tortellini – A bold, flavor-packed seafood option.
🍋 Lemon Butter Chicken Orzo – Light, zesty, and full of fresh herbs.
🍄 Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs – Rich, umami-packed and hearty.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is more than just a dinner—it’s a warm, creamy hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for guests or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish is as rewarding as it is easy to make.

So go ahead, save this recipe, make it your own, and don’t forget to leave a comment if you added a twist or made a substitution that turned out amazing. Happy cooking!