There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to your dinner table. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini does exactly that! Imagine plump, cheese-filled tortellini swirled in a silky garlic parmesan sauce, paired with juicy golden-seared chicken and vibrant green broccoli. 🤤
It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh, bright flavors — a true crowd-pleaser that will make your whole house smell like an Italian restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner date, this dish is bound to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Restaurant-quality meal at home – No reservations needed!
- Ready in just 35 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort food with a fresh twist – Creamy pasta plus fresh veggies = dreamy balance.
- Versatile and customizable – Swap veggies or adjust the spice to fit your taste.
- Family-friendly favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Fresh cheese tortellini
- Boneless chicken breast, cubed
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Pro tip: Fresh tortellini really makes a difference here, but frozen works in a pinch!
Tools You’ll Need 🔪
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Steamer basket or small saucepan
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide 👩🍳
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your tortellini and cook according to package directions until just al dente.
Before draining, save 1 cup of the starchy pasta water — it’s your secret weapon for the perfect sauce consistency. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
Immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process and keep that beautiful color.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! This ensures a gorgeous golden crust instead of steamed chicken.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute, stirring constantly — you want it fragrant, not browned.
Slowly whisk in heavy cream, keeping the mixture smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat before adding Parmesan cheese.
Whisk until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and silky.
Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add chicken, cooked tortellini, and broccoli back into the skillet.
Gently toss everything together until each piece is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top! 🧀
Tips for the Best Results 🌟
- Don’t brown the garlic – Burned garlic can make the sauce bitter.
- Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Add cheese off the heat – Keeps your sauce velvety instead of clumpy.
- Save the pasta water – It’s the perfect natural thickener.
- Serve hot and fresh – This dish is best enjoyed immediately.
Variations to Try 🎨
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Low-carb option: Swap tortellini with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Different protein: Use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a fun twist.
Perfect Pairings 🍷🥗
- A crisp Caesar salad or lemony arugula salad for freshness
- Garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up extra sauce
- A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Chianti
- Light dessert ideas: Lemon sorbet or classic tiramisu
Storing & Reheating Leftovers 🥡
- Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended — the creamy sauce and tortellini texture don’t hold up well.
Frequently Asked Questions 🤔
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just add 1–2 extra minutes to the cooking time. Cook from frozen, no need to thaw.
2. How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low to medium and whisk constantly. Remove the skillet from heat before adding Parmesan.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and broccoli in advance.
Reheat gently and toss with the sauce just before serving.
4. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Can I use a lighter substitute for heavy cream?
Yes! Half-and-half works, though the sauce will be less rich. Avoid regular milk as it may curdle.
