Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Are you looking for a delicious and comforting dish that the whole family will love? Look no further than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli! This meal brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheese-filled tortellini in a rich and creamy sauce that is simply irresistible.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and easy but still full of flavor. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, and the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and season with Cajun seasoning. Sear until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets.
- Drain everything together and add to the sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything until fully coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so all the flavors come together.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top, and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, creamy comfort food!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
This dish is best served hot straight from the skillet. You can top it with extra grated Parmesan cheese or some red pepper flakes for a little kick. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
- If you want a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lower-fat cheese.
- Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or leave it out for a vegetarian dish.
Variation
You can easily switch up the vegetables in this recipe. Adding spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers can add different flavors and textures to the dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well! Just cook it according to package instructions.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for a little longer, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the tortellini and broccoli fresh to keep them from becoming mushy.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli with your family and friends!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheese-filled tortellini in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and season with Cajun seasoning; sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, onion powder, and smoked paprika; stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth.
- Cook tortellini in salted boiling water according to package instructions; add broccoli during the last 2 minutes.
- Drain tortellini and broccoli, then add to the sauce.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce; simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with extra Parmesan.
Notes
For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. Use a lighter cream option for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: tortellini, chicken, creamy, parmesan, broccoli, quick meal