Try This Zesty Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

Nothing beats a creamy garlic parmesan tortellini that combines comfort with quick nutrition for busy evenings.

Weeknight meals demand smart solutions that pack flavor without complicated preparation.

Cheese-filled pasta provides perfect pockets of deliciousness alongside tender chicken chunks.

Broccoli adds vibrant green crunch and essential nutrients to balance the rich sauce.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of textures and classic Italian-inspired ingredients.

Robust seasonings elevate this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Savor every bite and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Tortellini With Chicken And Broccoli In Creamy Sauce

• Quick Family Dinner: Perfect weeknight meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families with limited cooking time.
• Creamy Comfort Satisfaction: Rich, velvety sauce with garlic and Parmesan creates a luxurious flavor profile that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food at home.
• One-Skillet Convenience: Minimizes dishes and cleanup with an efficient cooking method that transforms basic ingredients into a delicious complete meal without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Nutrition Boost: Easy to adjust ingredients by adding extra vegetables or swapping protein, making it flexible for different dietary preferences and nutrition goals.

Chicken Tortellini Pasta & Sauce Mix

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that forms the hearty foundation of the dish. Choose fresh or refrigerated for best texture.

• Chicken, Chicken Broth: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the meal. Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier preparation.

• Broccoli: Provides green nutrients and crisp texture. Fresh florets work best for maximum flavor.

• Butter, Milk, Flour: Creates a creamy base that binds ingredients together. Use whole milk for richer consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken sauce. Freshly grated provides superior taste.

• Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor to the dish. Fresh garlic cloves recommended over pre-minced.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste. Adjust according to personal preference.

How To Boil Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken And Broccoli

Step 1: Boil Tortellini and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Drop tortellini into the bubbling water and cook following package guidelines.

When tortellini is almost done, toss broccoli florets into the same pot.

Cook for additional 2-3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender.

Drain everything in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Add butter and let it melt completely.

Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.

Place chicken into the sizzling pan and cook until golden brown on outside and fully cooked inside, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt remaining butter.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.

Sprinkle flour and stir quickly to create a smooth base.

Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Return chicken and broccoli to the sauce-filled skillet.

Add cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated with the creamy sauce.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Transfer to serving dishes.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious meal.

Tortellini Tips With Garlic Chicken Layers

• Add fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of herbaceous freshness that elevates the entire dish.
• Blanch broccoli separately to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, ensuring it doesn't become mushy in the sauce.
• Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu to create a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth for a lighter sauce or simmering longer to create a richer, creamier texture.
• Cook extra chicken and tortellini to store in the refrigerator for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners within 3-4 days.

Garlic Tortellini and Broccoli Warm Up Creamy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat. Splash additional broth or milk to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Note that tortellini might slightly change texture after freezing.

Best Pairings For Chicken Tortellini

• Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: A rich and medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese complements the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce while cutting through the dish's richness.
• Create Crisp White Wine Harmony: A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity balances the buttery sauce and provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and tortellini.
• Enhance with Herbal Beer Match: A Belgian-style wheat beer or a light craft pale ale offers subtle citrus notes that highlight the garlic and Parmesan flavors without overwhelming the delicate dish.
• Craft Sparkling Beverage Accent: A dry prosecco or sparkling white wine adds effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites, elevating the creamy texture of the tortellini and sauce.

Tasty Tortellini Style Suggestions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini. Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Reduce flour quantity and use heavy cream for a thicker sauce consistency.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use olive oil instead of butter. Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli. Just add it directly to the boiling water with the tortellini and ensure it’s heated through completely.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly and provide lean protein that blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.

• Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The overall flavor profile will remain similar.

• How can I make the sauce thicker if needed?

If the sauce seems too thin, continue simmering for a few extra minutes or add a small amount of additional flour to help thicken it, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory garlic parmesan tortellini dances with tender chicken and crisp broccoli in this quick weeknight comfort classic. Creamy sauce and hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta and green vegetable by immersing tortellini in rapidly boiling water. Incorporate broccoli florets during the final moments of cooking to ensure crisp-tender texture. Carefully drain the contents and reserve.
2. Transform the skillet into a searing platform for protein. Melt butter and introduce seasoned chicken pieces, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior while maintaining succulent interior. Extract chicken once thoroughly cooked and temporarily set aside.
3. Craft a velvety sauce foundation using the same skillet. Release aromatic garlic into melted butter, creating a fragrant base. Sprinkle flour and whisk diligently to eliminate potential lumps. Gradually integrate chicken broth and milk, stirring consistently to achieve a smooth, luxurious consistency.
4. Orchestrate a harmonious reunion by returning chicken and broccoli into the developing sauce. Gently fold tortellini into the mixture, ensuring each pasta pillow becomes lavishly coated. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy embrace.
5. Perform final flavor adjustments with strategic salt and pepper application. Transfer to serving dishes, embellishing with additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced richness and visual appeal. Present immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Perfectly cook tortellini al dente by setting a timer and checking texture frequently to avoid mushy pasta.
• Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, preserving maximum nutritional value.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and faster cooking time, trimming any visible fat before seasoning.
• Create a silky smooth sauce by whisking continuously and adding liquid gradually to prevent lumps and ensure consistent texture.
• Swap regular milk with low-fat or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for subtle heat if you enjoy a spicier dish without overwhelming the delicate garlic and Parmesan flavors.
• Meal prep friendly: store components separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy tortellini.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 95mg