Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Tender Chicken & Broccoli is a quick and comforting one-pan meal that combines cheese-filled tortellini, succulent chicken breast, and fresh broccoli in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances savory, creamy, and fresh flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with family and friends.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Fresh or frozen cheese-filled tortellini – 12 ounces
Tender chicken breast – 2 medium, thinly sliced
Fresh broccoli florets – 2 cups
Garlic cloves – 3, minced
Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated
Heavy cream or half and half – 1 cup
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional) – 1/4 teaspoon

Optional Garnishes and Herbs

Fresh parsley or basil – 2 tablespoons, chopped
Additional parmesan cheese for garnish
Cracked black pepper for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually 3 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside to maintain the perfect texture for the sauce.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
Steam the Broccoli: Using the same skillet, briefly steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes to keep their bright color and crispness. You may toss the broccoli with the chicken or keep it in the pan for the next step.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything in the sauce to evenly coat. Let warm through for 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the tortellini; keep it al dente to avoid mushiness.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and texture, avoiding pre-grated options with anti-caking agents.
Searing chicken properly enhances flavor better than boiling or steaming.
Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Adjust garlic quantity to your taste; roasting garlic can provide a milder, sweeter flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 540 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Creamy tortellini, Garlic parmesan pasta, Chicken broccoli pasta, Quick dinner recipe, One-pan pasta