Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comfort food recipe that balances creamy richness with hearty protein and vegetables, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is exactly what you need. It’s indulgent yet wholesome, featuring cheesy tortellini, lean chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this recipe will deliver flavor, texture, and satisfaction every single time.

My recipe story

This recipe was born out of my love for Italian-inspired pasta dishes that feel both indulgent and comforting. I first made it on a chilly evening when I wanted something cozy but not overly complicated. I had a package of cheese tortellini in the fridge, some chicken breasts, and a head of broccoli. After experimenting with garlic, cream, and parmesan, I realized I had created something that was both simple and gourmet at the same time. Since then, this dish has become a regular weeknight favorite in my kitchen, often requested by family and friends.

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in balancing flavor and texture. The cheese tortellini forms the heart of the dish, providing a soft, cheesy base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. You can use either fresh or frozen tortellini, and both options work well depending on what you have available.

The chicken breasts add protein and heartiness, making this dish a complete meal. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and soak up the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Broccoli brings in a bright, fresh element, adding color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.

Olive oil, garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese form the foundation of the sauce. Olive oil helps sear the chicken and garlic, while cream provides the base of the sauce, and parmesan adds nutty, salty depth. A touch of seasoning—salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes—ties everything together into a harmonious dish.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large pot for boiling tortellini and blanching broccoli
• Large skillet or sauté pan for cooking chicken and sauce
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander for draining pasta and broccoli

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the tortellini and broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets into the pot to blanch them. Drain everything together and set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Cook the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the garlic parmesan sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth, creating a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Combine everything. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained tortellini and broccoli. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Step 5: Serve and garnish. Transfer the creamy tortellini mixture to serving bowls. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite side or bread.

Variations & substitutions

You can make this dish your own with a variety of substitutions. Instead of chicken breasts, try chicken thighs for extra juiciness or even cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. If you’d like a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and double the broccoli or add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. For the pasta, any cheese-filled pasta such as ravioli can work in place of tortellini. If you want to lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Freezing is not recommended for cooked tortellini, as the texture may become mushy. However, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge, then combine with freshly cooked pasta and broccoli when ready to serve.

Serving ideas & pairings

This creamy pasta is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance out the richness. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully. For a family-style meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables, caprese salad, or even a bowl of soup for a cozy dinner spread.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well. Simply adjust cooking time according to the package directions.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortellini or another gluten-free pasta option, and make sure your parmesan cheese and cream are certified gluten-free.

How can I make it lighter? Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese slightly.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just add it to the sauce toward the end to heat through.

What other vegetables can I add? Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes all make delicious additions and bring extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.

Final thoughts

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and nourishment in every bite. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests, making it a true keeper in your recipe collection. With its balance of creamy sauce, cheesy pasta, lean chicken, and fresh broccoli, this dish checks all the boxes for a meal that everyone will love. Try it once, and it will quickly become a regular on your dinner table.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

A comforting pasta dish with cheesy tortellini, juicy chicken, and broccoli tossed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions; add broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from skillet.

3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan until smooth and creamy.

4. Return chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything until well coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving warm.
   

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American