creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli

Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Published: June 17, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: You can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Flavorful Combination: The creamy garlic sauce paired with Parmesan cheese elevates the taste to a whole new level.
Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with a simple salad for a complete dinner.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy tortellini and tender chicken are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment will help you create the best creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Perfect for boiling tortellini quickly and efficiently.
Skillet: Ideal for sautéing chicken and combining all ingredients together.

Ingredients

For the Tortellini

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Sauce

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Broccoli

2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)

For Flavor

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the tortellini and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil.
Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add steamed broccoli to the skillet with chicken.
Pour in cream or milk as desired; stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Mix in Italian seasoning and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Gently fold in the cooked tortellini into the skillet mixture.
Ensure everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to serving plates.
Garnish with fresh parsley before enjoying your creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli!

How to Serve creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli

Serving creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your family and guests.

Classic Presentation

Serve Hot: Dish out the tortellini while it’s still hot for the best flavor.
Garnish: Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Family Style

Large Bowl: Serve the dish in a large bowl for a communal feel, allowing everyone to help themselves.
Accompanying Bread: Add a side of garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.

Elegant Plating

Individual Plates: For an upscale dinner, plate each serving individually.
Drizzle Sauce: Add a drizzle of the creamy sauce around the plate for a decorative touch.

How to Perfect creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli

To make the most of your creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli, consider these tips for perfection.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality chicken enhance flavor significantly.
Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Ensure the tortellini is cooked just right to maintain its texture.
Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to add more cream if you prefer a richer sauce.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasonings like salt and pepper to bring out all flavors.

Best Side Dishes for creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli

Pairing side dishes with creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options you might enjoy.

Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing balance the richness of the tortellini.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
Steamed Green Beans: Their crunchiness contrasts nicely with the softness of the pasta dish.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a refreshing taste alongside the meal.
Herbed Rice: Flavored rice adds another layer of taste without overwhelming the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

Using the wrong type of tortellini – Ensure you use cheese tortellini for the best flavor. If you use a different type, the dish may not have the same creamy richness.
Overcooking the chicken – Chicken can become tough if overcooked. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink in the center for tender bites.
Neglecting to season properly – Skipping seasoning can make your dish bland. Use Italian seasoning and salt to enhance flavors.
Not adding enough liquid – If your sauce is too thick, it might not coat the tortellini well. Add a splash of pasta water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Forgetting to steam the broccoli – Raw broccoli will not blend well with the creamy sauce. Always steam or cook it beforehand for a tender bite that complements the dish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli in an airtight container.
It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli

If you want to freeze leftovers, use a freezer-safe container.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli?

Creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli is a delicious dish that combines cheese-filled tortellini with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen cheese tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just follow package instructions for cooking time.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers or substitute shrimp for chicken. Adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli makes an excellent meal prep option as it stores well in the fridge or freezer.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of broccoli or add other veggies you enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic Parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences. I encourage you to try this delightful dish for your next weeknight dinner; it’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor!

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