This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a cozy dish that’s easy to love! The rich sauce coats tender tortellini while bits of chicken and bright green broccoli add a lovely touch.
I mean, who can say no to cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic? Plus, it’s quick to whip up for busy nights. I always feel like a superstar chef when I serve this! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use turkey breast instead!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch and vibrant color. If you don’t have fresh broccoli, feel free to swap in frozen broccoli—just adjust cooking time. You could also use spinach or peas as alternatives!
Heavy Cream: This is key for that creamy texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version or try a plant-based cream if you’re dairy-free. Just note that it’ll change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor. If you’re out of it, pecorino romano works as a great alternative. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor as well.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting juicy, perfectly cooked chicken is simple. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat for a good sear on the outside. This locks in moisture.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it is golden brown and not overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- After cooking, let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
How to Make 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 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 package (9-12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes chopping and cooking your ingredients and around 15 minutes simmering everything together for the ultimate creamy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pieces of chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to stir occasionally to evenly cook all sides. Once finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Cook until it becomes soft and transparent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell that delightful garlic aroma!
3. Cooking the Broccoli:
Now, toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Don’t worry if they still have a bit of crunch; they’ll finish cooking later!
4. Adding the Tortellini:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cover and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Making the Creamy Sauce:
After the tortellini has cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently stir everything together so the chicken is mixed well with the tortellini and broccoli. Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and add red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.
7. Final Cooking:
Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help everything heat through and let the sauce thicken slightly. Give it one last stir and taste to make sure it’s seasoned just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal with your family or friends!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli florets, add them to the skillet at the same time as the garlic and onion, since they often take a little longer to cook through. Sauté until heated through and bright green!
What If I Don’t Have Tortellini?
No worries! You can substitute tortellini with other types of pasta, like penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose—typically 10-12 minutes for dried pasta, boiling in salted water until al dente.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or keep it simple with just the broccoli. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and enjoy the creamy goodness!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use either the stove over low heat or the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You might need to add a splash of cream or broth to bring back some creaminess!
