Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheese-filled tortellini smothered in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe balances creamy textures with savory seasonings for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups broccoli florets

Pasta

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Sauce & Seasonings

1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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

Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking tortellini and broccoli.
Cook Tortellini & Broccoli: Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets in the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Drain both and set them aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-size chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet, leaving the fond (browned bits) in the pan.
Make Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add Liquids & Cream Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Whisk in the softened cream cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.
Flavor the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained tortellini and broccoli, gently tossing everything to coat well in the creamy sauce.
Final Touches & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil and sprinkled with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to better control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced options.
Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
Add broth gradually to control sauce consistency.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.

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

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, Easy Italian Dinner, Cream Sauce, Comfort Food