Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

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I recently whipped up this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a cozy dinner at home, and let me tell you—it was a soul-hugging experience from the first bite. There’s something magical about the way tender cheese-stuffed tortellini absorbs a rich, velvety sauce that’s loaded with savory garlic and nutty parmesan. Add in golden chicken pieces and fresh, vibrant broccoli, and you have a one-pan dish that tastes like you spent hours on it (but you didn’t).

The creaminess clings to every bite, the garlic punches through just enough to be noticed, and the broccoli gives the whole thing a crisp, clean balance. I love how the tortellini brings its own cheesy character to the party, and when it all comes together in a pan, the result is weeknight comfort food that feels a little luxurious. I always aim for recipes that are both convenient and comforting, and this one checks every box.

What I truly appreciate about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making lunch for the next day, or treating yourself to a warm, satisfying plate, this tortellini delivers. It’s hearty without being heavy, indulgent without being complicated, and best of all—it uses simple, real ingredients that most of us have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

If you love creamy pasta dishes that taste like they came from your favorite Italian restaurant, you’ll fall hard for this recipe. It comes together in about 30 minutes, uses just one pan, and gives you a balanced meal with carbs, protein, and veggies all in one bowl. The flavor is rich but not overpowering, and every ingredient plays a key role. It’s also a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy broccoli without a fuss. Whether you’re prepping a simple dinner or wanting to impress with minimal effort, this tortellini dish is the definition of delicious simplicity.

Ingredients

Cheese Tortellini
These soft pasta pillows are filled with creamy cheese and act as the perfect base to soak up all the flavor from the parmesan garlic sauce. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini work best for quick cooking.

Chicken Breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal here because it cooks quickly and holds on to flavor well. It adds a hearty, protein-rich component to the dish.

Fresh Broccoli Florets
Adds a beautiful pop of green and a tender crunch that balances the richness of the cream sauce. Broccoli also makes this dish feel more wholesome and complete.

Heavy Cream
Provides the luscious, velvety body of the sauce. It makes the dish feel indulgent and luxurious.

Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the cream and gives the sauce its nutty, salty depth.

Garlic
The foundation of flavor in this recipe. Freshly minced garlic releases a deep, aromatic flavor when sautéed.

Olive Oil
Used to sear the chicken and bloom the garlic. It adds a subtle fruitiness that enhances the overall flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper
Basic seasonings that are crucial to bring out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.

Chicken Broth
Adds an extra layer of savory flavor and helps thin out the sauce just enough to coat the tortellini without becoming too thick.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add more olive oil if needed, then stir in minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Add the tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and plump.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

Toss in the fresh broccoli florets and cover the skillet with a lid. Let them steam in the sauce for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir everything together so it’s coated in that creamy, garlicky sauce. Serve hot and garnish with extra parmesan if desired.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re looking to change things up, this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can swap out the chicken breast for rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Italian sausage also makes a flavorful substitute that adds a savory twist. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and bulk up the veggies with mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

The cheese tortellini can be replaced with spinach or meat-filled versions depending on what you have available. As for the cream, half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream for a lighter take. Almond milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch can also work for a dairy-free option. Don’t have fresh broccoli? Frozen broccoli florets are an easy stand-in—just add them a few minutes earlier to account for extra cooking time.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This creamy tortellini dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can round out the flavors beautifully.

For drinks, pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to cut through the richness. Sparkling water with lemon also works well for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. The microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop reheating preserves the texture better. Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can separate and the tortellini may become mushy.

FAQs

How long does Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container. Just reheat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the original creamy texture.

Can I use frozen tortellini in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time and make sure it’s fully heated through before serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli?

Half-and-half or even a mix of milk and cream cheese can work. For a dairy-free option, try almond milk thickened with cornstarch.

Is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and can be portioned out into containers for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

How do I keep the broccoli bright green in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli?

Make sure to add it at the end of the cooking process and cover it to steam. This preserves the color and gives it a tender but crisp texture.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love rich, satisfying pasta dishes, you definitely need to try my Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. It brings the same comfort-food energy with a bold, spicy twist. Another recipe worth bookmarking is this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice—a garlic-lover’s dream that’s just as quick and satisfying. And if you’re into cheesy one-pan meals, the Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach will become a new go-to.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Make sure to save this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it again. Share it with friends and family who love a comforting, easy dinner option. It also makes a great addition to your weekly meal rotation, especially when you’re short on time but want something homemade and cozy. If you try it and love it, tag me in your photos—I’d love to see your version!

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