Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce come together with fresh broccoli for a delicious, balanced dish.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cheese tortellini
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook tortellini according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and cook until bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Step 5: Stir in Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.
6. Step 6: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to combine and heat through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh tortellini for an even more tender texture and richer flavor.
• Swap broccoli with spinach or asparagus for a different green vegetable twist.
• For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
• Grate your own Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Be sure to cook it according to package instructions and reserve some pasta water as directed to help adjust the sauce consistency.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 118 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe is a creamy, savory dish combining tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and vibrant broccoli in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight meal, it balances rich flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 12 ounces cheese tortellini
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook Ingredients: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, making sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt. Add the broccoli florets and cook until they turn bright green and become tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
5. Season and Combine Chicken: Stir in the Italian seasoning, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss well to coat them in the sauce.
6. Finish with Tortellini and Serve: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine and heat through completely. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
• For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the creamiest sauce compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness as needed.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Dinner, Tortellini Recipe, One-Pan Dinner