This creamy garlic parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli is a scrumptious dinner option! The rich sauce perfectly coats the cheesy tortellini and tender broccoli, making it all so inviting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, though you can also use thighs for more flavor. If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken works great—just shred it and toss it in!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition, but frozen florets are a good backup. Just add them slightly earlier in the cooking to ensure they heat through properly.
Tortellini: I really like using cheese tortellini for its creamy texture. You can swap it for other filled pastas like ravioli or use a gluten-free version if needed.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. You could also use a plant-based cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a smooth sauce. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated will do, but the texture might be a bit grainy.
How Do You Achieve the Creamiest Sauce?
Getting that luscious, creamy sauce is simpler than you think. Start by sautéing the garlic just until fragrant—don’t burn it! Then, use heavy cream rather than milk for a richer base. Also, be sure to simmer the broth and cream together before adding the tortellini, which helps meld the flavors.
- Cook the tortellini in the creamy broth for a few minutes—it helps thicken the sauce.
- Add the Parmesan cheese while the sauce is warm; this ensures it melts smoothly into the mixture.
- Don’t rush it; allow the sauce to simmer gently to reach that perfect creamy consistency.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 package (about 9 oz/250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Estimated Time:
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking, making it a quick dinner option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes or until they are browned and fully cooked. When they are done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You just want it to become fragrant, so be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli turns bright green and starts to soften.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for a minute or so.
5. Prepare the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking together.
6. Combine with Chicken:
Once the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened a bit, remove the lid and add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
7. Add Cheese and Season:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning. Keep mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the dish warm. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for added flavor and a nice touch!
Enjoy your delightful creamy garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini with broccoli!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just add it to the skillet a bit earlier to ensure it heats through properly. Cook for about 5-6 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream such as coconut cream or almond milk. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of the Parmesan for flavor!
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens while stored.
What Can I Substitute for Tortellini?
If you don’t have tortellini on hand, other pasta shapes like penne or rotini can work well too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta types may require varying boil times.