Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheese-filled tortellini in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
3 tbsp butter (unsalted preferred)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (good quality, not pre-grated)
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Tortellini and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add to skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful fond in the skillet.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine well. Whisk in softened cream cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and silky. Stir in grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained tortellini and broccoli to the sauce, gently tossing everything together to coat the pasta and vegetables thoroughly.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Time-saver: Use pre-cut or frozen broccoli to reduce prep time.
Common mistake: If the sauce splits, whisk in a splash of chicken broth to bring it back together.
Variation: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Use unsalted butter to better control salt levels in the dish.
Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced garlic.
Use good quality Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken and broccoli, creamy pasta recipe, easy dinner recipes, garlic parmesan pasta, tortellini recipe, one-pan meal