Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a rich and comforting Italian-American dish combining tender chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and cheesy tortellini in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour!
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions, usually boiling for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with broccoli and garlic. Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken and drained tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully so the tortellini and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, reducing richness and calories.
- Enhance the flavor by adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms along with the broccoli.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer spice, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
