Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

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When I think of comfort food that’s both satisfying and quick enough for a weeknight dinner, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli always comes to mind. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent, with its rich, velvety sauce clinging to tender tortellini and golden seared chicken. Add in perfectly cooked broccoli for a fresh bite and a pop of color, and you’ve got a complete meal in one bowl. I love how easily it comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian bistro.

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something warm and creamy but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and cream created a sauce that was just irresistible. Since then, it’s become a regular favorite at my table, and I often play with variations by adding mushrooms or using different types of tortellini. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish never fails to impress.

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

This dish brings together so many flavors and textures in every bite. The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich but not too heavy, balanced by the slight crunch of broccoli. Juicy, seared chicken adds heartiness, and the cheesy tortellini makes it a meal you’ll want to savor. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss.

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What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

When it comes to tortellini, you really can’t go wrong—but I personally prefer cheese-filled tortellini for this recipe. The mild creaminess of the cheese inside pairs beautifully with the garlic Parmesan sauce. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, spinach and ricotta or chicken-stuffed tortellini work just as well. You can find them fresh in the refrigerated section, or even frozen—just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly depending on which one you use. Fresh tortellini tend to have the best texture and cook the fastest.

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Options for Substitutions

Cooking should be flexible, and this dish can absolutely be tailored to suit your tastes or pantry.

• Chicken: Swap out chicken breasts for chicken thighs for more flavor, or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Broccoli: No broccoli? No problem. Try asparagus, zucchini, peas, or baby spinach.
• Parmesan: If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for a saltier, bolder kick.
• Cream: Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but if needed, garlic powder works in a pinch.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas for a satisfying meatless version.
• Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free tortellini options and thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry if needed.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in building layers of creamy, savory, and fresh flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Cheese Tortellini
  These little pasta pillows are the heart of the dish, delivering cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Chicken Breasts
  Lean, juicy, and protein-packed, they sear beautifully and soak up the sauce.
• Broccoli Florets
  For color, crunch, and balance—broccoli cuts through the richness of the sauce with its freshness.
• Heavy Cream
  The base of the luxurious sauce, giving it that silky, decadent texture.
• Fresh Garlic
  Adds aromatic depth and a sharp punch that infuses the entire dish.
• Parmesan Cheese
  Nutty, salty, and deeply savory—it thickens the sauce and ties all flavors together.
• Butter
  Helps sauté the garlic and adds richness to the sauce.
• Olive Oil
  Used to sear the chicken and adds a hint of fruitiness.
• Salt and Black Pepper
  Simple but essential for seasoning each layer of the recipe.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes
  For those who like a little heat, a pinch of this brings a subtle kick.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let them rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

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Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

While the chicken is resting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions—usually around 3–5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Drain and set aside.

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Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

In the same pot (or a separate one), blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the sliced chicken, cooked tortellini, and broccoli into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat in the creamy garlic Parmesan goodness. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld.

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Step 6: Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot, and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

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How Long to Cook Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Here’s a rough timeline to keep you on track:

• Searing the chicken: 10–12 minutes
• Boiling the tortellini: 3–5 minutes
• Blanching the broccoli: 2–3 minutes
• Making the sauce and combining: 10 minutes

Total time: Around 30 minutes, start to finish. This makes it ideal for weeknights or when you need a hearty meal on the table fast.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
• Cook tortellini al dente: Slightly undercooking the tortellini keeps it from getting mushy when it’s added to the hot sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a meat thermometer if needed—internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Layer the seasoning: Add a pinch of salt at each stage—when cooking the chicken, boiling pasta, and building the sauce—for well-rounded flavor.
• Use a large skillet: You want plenty of room to toss everything together evenly without breaking the tortellini.
• Thin out the sauce if needed: If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it to your liking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like this can take a wrong turn if you’re not careful. Here are the most common missteps—and how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the Tortellini
  Tortellini cooks fast. If you leave it in the water too long, it turns mushy and loses its texture. Keep an eye on it and test a piece early.
• Boiling the Cream Sauce
  Cream should be gently simmered—not boiled—or it may separate. Let it thicken slowly over low to medium heat.
• Skipping the Rest Time for Chicken
  Cutting into chicken right after cooking releases all the juices. Letting it rest keeps it moist and tender.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
  It doesn’t melt smoothly and can make your sauce grainy. Always grate your Parmesan fresh if possible.
• Crowding the Pan
  When searing the chicken, use a large enough skillet so it browns properly instead of steaming.
• Adding Broccoli Too Early
  If you toss broccoli in too soon, it turns limp and gray. Blanching it just before combining keeps its vibrant color and bite.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli?

This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you’re planning a fuller meal, these pairings complement it beautifully:

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce—plus, who doesn’t love a warm, buttery loaf on the side?

Caesar Salad

A crisp, classic salad balances out the richness and adds a cool, refreshing crunch.

A Glass of Chardonnay

The buttery notes of a good Chardonnay enhance the creamy sauce while cutting through its richness.

Lemon-Dressed Arugula

A light, peppery salad with a lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh and zingy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Earthy and slightly crispy, these make a great companion to the creamy pasta.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze are a bright and easy starter.

Sautéed Mushrooms

They add an earthy, umami-rich side that pairs perfectly with garlic and Parmesan flavors.

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Storage Instructions

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli stores well and makes delicious leftovers. Here’s how to handle it:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it will loosen up with a splash of milk or broth during reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Add a little liquid to keep the sauce creamy.
• Freezer: While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can cook the chicken and blanch the broccoli a day ahead. Store them separately and combine everything fresh when ready to serve.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~680 kcal
• Protein: ~42g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~35g
• Saturated Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~4g
• Sugar: ~4g
• Sodium: ~650mg
• Calcium: ~350mg

Note: Values will vary slightly depending on the specific brand of tortellini and cream used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tortellini works best for this recipe?

Cheese tortellini is my favorite because its mild, creamy filling pairs so well with the garlic Parmesan sauce. But feel free to try spinach, mushroom, or even meat-stuffed varieties if you’re looking for something heartier.

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Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Just leave out the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or more broccoli to bulk it up. The sauce is rich enough to carry the dish on its own.

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What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a similar consistency. Just note the sauce may be slightly less rich.

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Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Just thaw it first and blot away any excess moisture to avoid watering down the sauce.

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How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low once the cream is added, and don’t let it boil. Freshly grated Parmesan also helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.

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Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! The creamy, cheesy sauce and soft tortellini are usually a big hit with kids. You can even dice the broccoli smaller if needed for picky eaters.

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Can I prep this dish in advance?

You can cook the chicken and blanch the broccoli a day ahead. Store separately, then prepare the tortellini and sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat.

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How can I make it spicier?

A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce stirred into the sauce gives it a subtle heat. You could also top each serving with a sprinkle of chili oil.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s deceptively simple to make. It brings together hearty protein, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a luxurious sauce that tastes like it took hours—but really just needs 30 minutes. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and elegant enough for guests. Whether it’s your first time making it or your fifth, this recipe never disappoints.

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