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I created this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli when I needed something special but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of cheese-filled pasta tender chicken and fresh broccoli in that velvety garlic Parmesan sauce has become our favorite comfort dinner. My kids even eat their vegetables without complaining.
A Bowl of Pure Comfort
Every time I make this dish my kitchen fills with the most amazing garlic and Parmesan aroma. The sauce hugs every piece of tortellini while the chicken and broccoli make it a complete meal in one pan. It's become my go to recipe when I want to make everyone happy without spending all evening cooking.
What You'll Need
- Cheese Tortellini: 12 oz fresh is best but frozen works too.
- Chicken: 2 breasts cut into nice bite sized pieces.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for getting that chicken golden.
- Garlic: 4 fresh cloves minced up.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup makes it silky smooth.
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup adds amazing flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup freshly grated.
- Broccoli: 2 cups of bright green florets.
- Seasonings: Salt pepper and Italian herbs.
- Fresh Parsley: A handful chopped up for color.
Let's Cook Together
- Start With Pasta:
- Get your water boiling nice and salty then cook those tortellini until they float.
- Cook The Chicken:
- Get your pan hot add olive oil and cook those chicken pieces until they're golden and perfect.
- Time For Garlic:
- Let that garlic cook just until it smells amazing careful not to burn it.
- Make It Creamy:
- Pour in your cream and broth let it bubble then stir in that Parmesan until it's silky smooth.
- Bring It All Together:
- Add your chicken broccoli and tortellini back to the pan let everything get coated in that gorgeous sauce.
- Finish With Herbs:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dinner is served.
My Kitchen Secrets
Never overcook your tortellini they should still have a little bite. Steam your broccoli just until it turns bright green it keeps cooking in the sauce. Keep some pasta water handy it's perfect for thinning the sauce if needed. Always grate your own Parmesan it melts so much better.
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Why This Recipe Works
This dish has everything I look for in a family dinner creamy sauce tender pasta perfectly cooked chicken and fresh vegetables. It all comes together in one pan which means less cleanup and the leftovers taste even better the next day if you're lucky enough to have any.
Make It Your Own
- Skip The Chicken: Add extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach.
- Go Gluten Free: Look for special gluten free tortellini.
- No Dairy: Try coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in some peas or sun dried tomatoes.
Perfect Pairings
We love this with some warm crusty garlic bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. A simple green salad on the side makes it complete. Sometimes I roast extra vegetables to serve alongside when I'm feeling extra healthy.
Save It For Later
Pack up any leftovers they'll stay good in the fridge for 3 days. When you're ready to eat just warm it gently with a splash of cream. If you want to freeze it leave out the pasta and broccoli until you're ready to serve it'll taste much better that way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and steam it before adding to maintain its texture and color.
- → What kind of tortellini should I use?
Both fresh or frozen cheese tortellini work. Fresh cooks in 3-5 minutes, while frozen needs 8-10 minutes.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
Save some pasta water before draining. Add it gradually to thin the sauce if needed.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but leftovers keep for 2 days. Reheat gently and add splash of cream to restore sauce.
- → Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Fresh-grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce. Pre-grated can make the sauce grainy.
Conclusion
A delightful one-pan meal combining cheese tortellini, succulent chicken, and nutritious broccoli in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen.