Sizzling Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Whipping up a quick garlic parmesan tortellini skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Pasta enthusiasts crave meals that combine simplicity with incredible flavor profiles.

Cheese lovers understand the magic of melted parmesan coating tender tortellini.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of herbs and rich, creamy textures.

Skillful home cooks know comfort food doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this straightforward yet impressive one-pan wonder.

Let’s uncover how a few ingredients can create something truly spectacular that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

What’s Great About Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep meets maximum flavor in this one-pan marvel that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will devour this creamy, cheesy tortellini dish packed with protein-rich chicken and nutritious broccoli, making dinnertime a delightful experience.
• Hassle-Free Cooking: Using a single skillet eliminates multiple pots and pans, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenient, delicious meals.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like using different protein sources or adding extra vegetables, ensuring this versatile recipe adapts to personal preferences and pantry availability.

Garlic Tortellini Skillet Must-Haves

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that adds heartiness to the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich cheese that provides creamy flavor and helps thicken the sauce, opt for freshly grated for best taste.

• Tortellini, Broccoli: Comforting cheese-filled pasta with nutritious green vegetable, select fresh broccoli with vibrant green color.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that provide flavor and prevent sticking, use extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy base for sauce that adds richness and depth, choose low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor, fresh garlic cloves recommended over pre-minced.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and complement the dish, use freshly ground pepper for more intense taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh herbal note and visual appeal, choose bright green leaves.

Tortellini Skillet with Chicken & Broccoli Prep Directions

Step 1: Sear Succulent Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced chicken breasts and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through, which takes around 6-8 minutes.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Using the same skillet, melt butter to create a rich foundation.

Add minced garlic and sauté until its aroma fills the kitchen, about 1 minute.

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking them together to create a silky smooth mixture.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Enrich with Parmesan

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a luxurious texture.

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Cook Tortellini

While the sauce simmers, prepare tortellini according to package instructions.

Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Add cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce.

Gently stir to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss all ingredients until they’re well combined and heated through.

Do a final taste test and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delectable one-skillet meal!

Tortellini Skillet Pointers with Garlic Parmesan Flavor

• Pat chicken breasts dry before dicing to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture for maximum flavor.
• Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats tortellini beautifully.
• Briefly blanch broccoli before adding to the skillet to maintain a vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture without becoming mushy.
• Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Store in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Tortellini Skillet Leftovers: Smart Storing Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
• Consume reheated tortellini within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture, as pasta can become slightly mushy with repeated heating.

Sides for Chicken Tortellini Skillet

• Perfectly Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a crisp, light-bodied Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the chicken's richness.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious Parmesan cream sauce, adding extra texture and flavor to the meal.
• Fresh Side Salad: Create a light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the tortellini dish.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or extra chopped parsley over the skillet to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color and freshness.

Tortellini Skillet with Easy Add-Ins

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Reduce cream quantity and add extra protein from grilled shrimp or additional chicken.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese for similar flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is tortellini hard to cook?

Tortellini is actually quite easy to cook. Just follow the package instructions, usually boiling in salted water for 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they’re done.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy. For a lighter option, use low-fat milk, but the sauce will be thinner.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for an extra kick of heat.

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy cheese, juicy chicken, and crisp broccoli combine in one delightful pan, promising a meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, diced
• 1 bag (9 ounces/255 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Dairy and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Craft a golden-crusted layer of chicken by searing diced chicken breasts in a heated skillet with olive oil, ensuring each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy tenderness. Season generously with aromatic herbs and spices for depth of flavor.
2. Transform the same skillet into a creamy canvas by melting butter and infusing it with finely minced garlic, releasing its pungent essence. Pour in velvety heavy cream and savory chicken broth, creating a luxurious base that will envelop the entire dish.
3. Elevate the sauce by introducing grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a silky, robust coating. Let the mixture gently simmer, thickening and concentrating its rich, tangy profile.
4. Parallel to sauce preparation, cook tortellini in boiling water until they float and reach perfect al dente texture. Drain promptly to prevent overcooking and potential mushiness.
5. Integrate vibrant broccoli florets into the creamy sauce, ensuring they retain a crisp, verdant character while absorbing the surrounding flavors.
6. Reunite the golden chicken with the tortellini and sauce, gently tossing to ensure every morsel becomes thoroughly coated and heated through.
7. Present the skillet masterpiece with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the dish’s richness.

Notes

• Customize protein choices by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Reduce sauce calories by using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, maintaining creamy texture with less fat.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more vibrant color contrast.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free tortellini and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 685
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg