Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli is a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy chicken, and nutritious broccoli in a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the tortellini and chicken. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions:
- Fresh tortellini: 3-5 minutes
- Frozen tortellini: 8-10 minutes
- Drain the tortellini and set it aside while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and tortellini into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the broccoli is slightly tender but still vibrant.
Step 5: Final Touches & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra salt and black pepper as desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Variations
- Add Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or Italian sausage for a different taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use extra broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in mozzarella or Asiago cheese for extra cheesiness.
Cooking Notes
- If using frozen tortellini, do not overcook, as it can become too soft.
- To prevent curdling, stir the sauce continuously when adding the Parmesan cheese.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, so serve immediately for the best consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette.
- Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or garden salad.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Tips
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor; pre-packaged cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Blanch the broccoli before adding it to the sauce for a more vibrant color and slightly softer texture.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Sodium: ~780mg
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead?
Yes! If you’re in a hurry, you can replace the homemade sauce with 1 ½ cups of Alfredo sauce, but the fresh Parmesan-garlic sauce has a richer taste.
2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus to enhance the flavors and textures.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything except for the final mixing. Store the cooked chicken, tortellini, and sauce separately. When ready to eat, heat the sauce and combine everything just before serving.
4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they tend to separate. However, you can freeze cooked chicken and tortellini separately and make the sauce fresh when reheating.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli is a quick, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. With a rich Parmesan sauce, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli, this meal is a delicious balance of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli is a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy chicken, and nutritious broccoli in a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the tortellini and chicken. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions:
- Fresh tortellini: 3-5 minutes
- Frozen tortellini: 8-10 minutes
- Drain the tortellini and set it aside while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and tortellini into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the broccoli is slightly tender but still vibrant.
Step 5: Final Touches & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra salt and black pepper as desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- If using frozen tortellini, do not overcook, as it can become too soft.
- To prevent curdling, stir the sauce continuously when adding the Parmesan cheese.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, so serve immediately for the best consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Sodium: ~780mg
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~35g