Description
A delightful and creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini dish featuring tender chicken and nutritious broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, combining fresh or frozen tortellini with sautéed chicken and steamed broccoli for a comforting, flavorful dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh or frozen tortellini. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes while stirring frequently to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked tortellini, chicken, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and cheesy meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried Italian herbs can be used as garnish.
- Broccoli can be steamed ahead of time or substituted with other vegetables like spinach or peas.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure not to overcook the tortellini to avoid it becoming mushy.
