This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a comforting meal you’ll love! It’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant broccoli, all in a creamy garlic sauce.
You know what makes this dish a winner? It’s quick to whip up, so you can enjoy it on any busy night. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tender texture. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken instead. Just shred it and add it to the sauce towards the end.
Tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini adds great flavor. If you can’t find it, frozen tortellini works too. Just cook it a bit longer, according to package directions. Or, for a lighter option, swap it for whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture, but if you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream like coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that this might change the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated is fine, but it might not melt as smoothly. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic dairy-free substitute to give that cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
The chicken is a vital part of this dish, so it’s essential to cook it just right. Here are some tips:
- Cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cook over medium-high heat to get a nice sear while keeping it juicy.
- Season well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Don’t crowd the skillet; give the chicken space to brown properly.
Always check that the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) to keep it safe and tasty!
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Garlic adds a delicious flavor, but it can burn quickly. To avoid this:
- Sauté garlic on medium heat. This keeps it from cooking too fast.
- Add it after the chicken is cooked—this way, it won’t get overcooked with the chicken.
- Watch it closely; it only needs about 30 seconds to become fragrant!
Perfectly sautéed garlic adds flavor without the bitterness of burnt bits!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy deliciousness takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something quick yet satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. When ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. You want it juicy and tender!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn, as that can make it taste bitter!
3. Add the Broccoli:
Now, toss in the broccoli florets and cook them for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to turn bright green and soften just a bit—they’ll add a lovely crunch to your dish!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring them together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and watch for those bubbles of goodness!
5. Stir in the Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and optional Italian seasoning to the skillet. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a little, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Cook the Tortellini:
While your sauce is coming together, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. After draining it, add it to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
7. Combine Everything:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the pan as well. Gently toss everything together, ensuring every piece is coated in that creamy sauce and heated through—this should take just a minute or two!
8. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and add a bit more Parmesan on top if you like it extra cheesy. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just add them directly to boiling water and cook according to package instructions. They may take a minute or two longer than fresh tortellini, but they’ll taste just as delicious!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or even milk mixed with a little cornstarch to thicken it slightly. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or peas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so everything is cooked to perfection!
