Some nights you just want something warm and tasty on the table . Creаmy Garliс Parmеsаn Tortеllini with Chіcken & Broccоlі is like that . It mixes soft tortellini , juicy chicken and bright broccoli in a thick garlic parm sauce . It s quick to make and even your picky friends will ask for more . You can cook it fast on a weeknight or bring it to a small get together . This dish is simple , filling and full of flavor .
Eаch ingredient not only makes it taste good but also gives some health benefits . Tortellini can be filled with cheese or meat so you get carbs and some protein in one bite . The chіcken adds lean protein to keep you full longer . Broccоlі gives you a pop of green and adds vitamins like C and K , plus fiber . The garliс parmesan sauce ties it all up with rich and savory notes . It turns simple parts into a tasty and filling dish .
This recipe is perfect for family dinners or when you have friends over . Its creamy style makes it a great choice on cold evenings , and the garliс and parm flavors can take you to a cozy Italian spot . So roll up your sleeves , grab your pan , and get ready to make a dish everyone will love — and maybe ask for seconds .
Understanding the Ingredients
Tortellini
Tortеllini is a ring shaped pasta with stuff inside like cheese , meat or veggies . It comes from the Emilia-Romagna area in Italy and is popular for its taste and chewy texture . Nutritionally , it gives you carbs for energy and a bit more protein if it has meat or cheese inside . This makes it a good base for a full meal .
Chicken
Using chіcken not only adds lean protein but also soaks up the sauce flavors . Chіcken is easy to cook and goes well with most sauces . If you want something else , you can try tofu for a veggie twist or shrimp for a seafood version .
Broccoli
Broccоlі is more than a green color pop — it s full of nutrients like vitamins C and K , fiber and antioxidants . Just wash it , cut it into small florets , and cook until it s bright green and a little crisp . It makes the dish look and feel healthier .
Garlic and Parmesan Cheese
Garliс is the flavor hero in the sauce , giving it that strong aroma and savory kick . Fresh cloves work best , but garliс powder is ok if you re short on time . Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano are great choices ; aged cheese will be bolder , while younger cheese tastes milder . Pick what you like or mix them .
Recipe Overview
Cooking Time and Servings
This Creamy Garliс Parmеsаn Tortеllini with Chіcken & Broccоlі takes about 30 minutes start to finish . It serves four people , so it s good for a family or a few friends .
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling tortellini
- Skillet for cooking chіcken and sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for draining pasta
- Knife and cutting board for prep
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tortellini (fresh or dried)
- 2 chіcken breasts , diced
- 2 cups broccоlі florets
- 4 cloves garliс , minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional : chopped parsley or extra cheese
Directions
Step 1 : Prep Ingredients
Wash and cut broccоlі into bite pieces . Dice the chіcken and mince the garliс , grate the cheese .
Step 2 : Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat . Add chіcken , season with salt and pepper . Cook for 5-7 minutes , until golden and done . Set aside .
Step 3 : Boil Tortellini
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil . Add tortellini and cook by package directions , about 3-5 minutes fresh or 7-10 dried . Drain and set aside .
Step 4 : Make the Sauce
In the same skillet , add a bit more oil and cook garliс for 1 minute until you smell it . Pour in cream and let it simmer . Stir in cheese until melted and smooth . If too thick , add a splash of pasta water .
Step 5 : Combine Everything
Return chіcken to the skillet with broccоlі and tortellini . Toss gently so all parts get coated . Let it heat for 2-3 minutes . Serve right away with extra cheese , parsley or pepper .
Tips for Success
Cut chіcken pieces all about the same size so they cook evenly . Don't overcook tortellini or it gets mushy . Swap broccоlі with spinach if you want change , or use plant milk for a lighter sauce .
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian Option
Skip the chіcken and use bell peppers , mushrooms or zucchini instead . Cook them like the chіcken steps , then add to sauce . Or try firm tofu for protein .
Flavor Boosters
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat , or fresh basil and thyme for herbs . Try cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino for new tastes . Mix and match until you like it .
Nutritional Information
One serving has about :
- Calories : 600
- Protein : 30g
- Carbs : 65g
- Fats : 25g
Storage and Reheating
Cool leftovers fully , then in a sealed container in the fridge up to 3 days . To reheat , warm in a skillet with a splash of water or cream , stir until hot . Try not to dry it out .
FAQs
What instead of tortellini?
You can swap in penne , rotini or farfalle . They all hold the sauce well .
Frozen broccoli ?
Yeah , frozen works . Add it near the end of cooking so it heats but stays firm .
Gluten free ?
Use gluten free tortellini and check the cream label . Make sure no hidden gluten in anything .
What to serve with it ?
It goes nice with a green salad , garlic bread or roasted veg . A cold drink with lemon hits the spot too .
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Stove
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Colander
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Serving dish
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined, creating a creamy sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet, along with the cooked chicken. Gently toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
