This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s loaded with cheesy flavor and tender chicken, paired with yummy tortellini.
The best part? You can whip this up in no time for a cozy dinner. I love how the broccoli adds a nice crunch while making it a bit healthier. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap in turkey breast. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken can save you time and still offer great flavor!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. But remember, this will change the thickness slightly.
Tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini adds wonderful flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen tortellini works great—just thaw them beforehand! You could also use gnocchi if you’re feeling adventurous.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best here for texture. Feel free to swap with other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or even peas based on preference and availability.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is fantastic for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work well.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is Creamy and Not Runny?
The creaminess of this dish comes from balancing the liquid ingredients properly. Start by cooking the chicken and removing it from the skillet to prevent overcooking.
- When adding the cream, ensure the skillet is simmering gently. This helps it thicken without curdling.
- Stir in the cheese slowly, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. If it seems too runny, let it simmer a little longer.
- Adding a bit of the Parmesan cheese at the start and reserving some for the end can help thicken the sauce further.
These steps will help you achieve the perfect creamy texture you’re aiming for!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh cheese tortellini (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
For the Sauces:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. This includes about 10-15 minutes of prep time, plus the cooking time, which is quick and easy! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. When it’s melted, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step adds a lot of flavor!
3. Add the Broccoli:
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. We want it to keep some crunch!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens!
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the cheese tortellini to your simmering sauce and cook according to the package instructions—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini should be tender when done.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
7. Let It Thicken:
Allow the mixture to cook for another 2 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly—it will be even more delicious!
8. Serve It Up:
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with freshly chopped parsley, and serve it warm. Enjoy!
Bon appétit! Your creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is ready to delight your taste buds!
FAQ: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand for best results. You can simply place the tortellini in the fridge overnight or run them under warm water to speed up the process.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that your sauce may be slightly less creamy, so consider adding a bit of cornstarch slurry to thicken it if necessary.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead by cooking everything except for the tortellini. Store the sauce and chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and then add the tortellini, cooking them fresh!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creaminess of the sauce as it can thicken when cooled.
