Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Typically, fresh tortellini will cook in about 3-5 minutes, while frozen tortellini may take a little longer. Once done, drain the tortellini and set aside. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you can quickly steam or microwave it while the tortellini is cooking. If you’re using fresh broccoli, you can blanch it in the same water after the tortellini is cooked, or cook it separately for a few minutes until tender.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the tortellini is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook them in the hot oil until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! If you want to add a little extra richness to the dish, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of butter at this point for a creamier, silkier sauce.

Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it all heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Next, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and thicken it further. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a bit of extra flavor, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined and the sauce is thick and creamy, transfer the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

• Use Fresh or Frozen Tortellini: Both fresh and frozen tortellini work perfectly in this recipe. If you’re using frozen tortellini, make sure to cook it a bit longer to ensure it’s tender.
• Customize with Veggies: If you love vegetables, feel free to add extra greens like spinach or kale, or swap the broccoli for asparagus, peas, or zucchini. This dish is very versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand.
• Chicken Substitutes: You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Make it Lighter: If you want to lighten this recipe up a bit, you can use low-fat cream or replace the heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also use half the cheese for a lighter version.
• Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be afraid to sprinkle in more Parmesan cheese while combining everything in the skillet. You can even top it with some mozzarella for a cheesy finish.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Every Occasion

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is one of those recipes that can be made for almost any occasion. Here’s why it’s so great:

• Busy Weeknights: The whole dish takes just 25-30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a meal that’s fast but still comforting.
• Special Occasions: The creamy, cheesy flavors are rich enough to make this feel like a special treat for holidays, birthdays, or gatherings with friends and family.
• Meal Prep: You can easily double or triple the recipe to make extra servings, which can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later. This makes it great for meal prepping or having leftovers on hand for lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, this dish is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and full of fresh veggies—what’s not to love?

So next time you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dinner, look no further than this easy, one-pan meal. Get ready to dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!