Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Introduction

When you think of a comforting, easy-to-make dinner, the classic combination of garlic, Parmesan, and pasta immediately comes to mind. Now, imagine adding juicy chicken and vibrant broccoli into the mix—what you get is a decadent, flavorful, and well-rounded dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is everything you need in a meal: rich, creamy, hearty, and nutritious.

Whether you’re a novice cook looking for a simple dinner idea or an experienced home chef aiming for something quick but impressive, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s the perfect way to elevate tortellini, a favorite Italian pasta, with creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked chicken and broccoli. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home, making it ideal for busy nights when you want a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

In this post, we’ll walk you through every step of the recipe, share some great variations, and provide storage and reheating tips, ensuring that you can enjoy this meal again and again. With its balance of flavors and textures, Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is destined to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—most of these ingredients are easy to find, and you may already have many of them in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Tortellini:

1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini – You can choose between cheese or meat-filled tortellini depending on your preference.

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Salt and pepper – To season the chicken.
2 tbsp olive oil – For cooking the chicken.

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

2 tbsp butter – For sautéing the garlic and making the sauce base.
4 cloves garlic – Minced.
1 cup heavy cream – This creates the creamy base of the sauce.
1 cup chicken broth – Adds depth to the sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The star ingredient that will give the sauce its signature cheesy richness.
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional) – For extra creaminess.
1 tbsp lemon juice – This brightens up the sauce and adds a fresh zing.
Fresh parsley – Chopped, for garnish.

For the Broccoli:

2 cups broccoli florets – You can steam, blanch, or sauté the broccoli according to your preference.

Directions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these simple steps to create a rich, creamy, and delicious dish.

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking the tortellini. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2 to 4 minutes, or until the pasta floats to the surface. Since tortellini is typically stuffed with cheese or meat, it’s important not to overcook it. You want the tortellini to be al dente, with just the right amount of bite.

Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. Make sure you reserve a little pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C).

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside. You can cover it with a lid or foil to keep it warm.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli. If you’re blanching the broccoli, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and just tender. Be sure not to overcook the broccoli; you want it to remain crisp-tender. Once done, drain the broccoli and set it aside.

If you prefer steaming the broccoli, place the florets in a steamer basket over simmering water for about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the steamer and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (no need to clean it, as the leftover bits add flavor to the sauce), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.

Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir the mixture to combine and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.

Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you want extra creaminess, this is the point to add the mozzarella cheese as well. Stir until melted. Finally, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce to balance out the richness and provide a fresh, zesty kick.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Gently stir everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce. Let the dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a little more lemon juice depending on your personal preferences.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is perfectly combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and richness.

Serve the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli immediately, either as a main dish or with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people, making it a great option for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. The entire process, from prep to plating, should take about 30 minutes:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

This dish is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Variations

While Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a fantastic recipe on its own, here are a few variations you can try to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Vegetarian Version:

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can easily replace the chicken with more vegetables. Consider using mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes to add depth and flavor to the sauce. You could even add a can of chickpeas for added protein.

Add Bacon or Pancetta:

If you love a touch of smoky flavor, crumbled bacon or crispy pancetta makes a perfect addition. Cook the bacon in the skillet before the chicken, and use the rendered fat to sauté the garlic, adding an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini:

For a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic Parmesan sauce. This will add an exciting kick to the dish without overpowering the creamy richness.

Gluten-Free Option:

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the regular tortellini with gluten-free tortellini. Make sure to use a gluten-free chicken broth as well.

Storage and Reheating

This dish is perfect for leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over low heat. You can add a little extra cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Stir often to ensure it heats evenly.

Freezing:

If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time and freeze it, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the dish overnight in the fridge before reheating.

10 FAQs about Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes! You can use frozen tortellini. Just make sure to cook it for a slightly longer time as instructed on the package.
How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it quickly.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for Parmesan. You can also add extra mozzarella for an even creamier sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free? This dish is not gluten-free unless you use gluten-free tortellini and broth.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? Make sure to cook the sauce on low heat and stir constantly when adding the cheese to prevent curdling.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the chicken with mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies of your choice.
What other vegetables can I add? Asparagus, peas, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers can all make great additions to this dish.
How do I make the dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or stir in a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time (cook the chicken, steam the broccoli, and make the sauce) and combine them just before serving.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat slowly when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a delicious, creamy pasta dish that comes together in just under 30 minutes. With its rich garlic Parmesan sauce, juicy chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a meal prep option for the week ahead. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the suggested variations, you’re sure to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy!