Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the perfect cozy, one-skillet meal. Tender chicken pieces, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli come together in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you need a comforting dinner fast.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or lightly cooked
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
3️⃣ Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4️⃣ Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the tortellini to the sauce and cook according to the package instructions, typically 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5️⃣ Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the cooked chicken and broccoli florets. Add the red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
6️⃣ Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this rich, creamy dish hot, ideally paired with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Feel free to swap the chicken with shrimp or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. To save time, use pre-steamed broccoli or microwave it while the chicken cooks. The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands, so if needed, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up before serving.