Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to feel like a treat. The tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce all come together to create a dish your whole family will love.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
For the Tortellini:
1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (you can also use other pasta if you prefer)
For the Sauce:
3 cloves garlic, minced (you can add more for extra garlic flavor!)
1 tablespoon butter (to cook the garlic and make the sauce creamy)
1 cup heavy cream (adds richness to the sauce)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (this makes a big difference in flavor!)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium, or more if you prefer a thinner sauce)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (this adds a herby touch to the sauce)
1 cup fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched until tender)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but adds a fresh finish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Prep the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden on all sides.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Boil the Tortellini:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 3-4 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-8 minutes for frozen).
Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it well and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in (without cleaning it), melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn it!
Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the Cream:
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up a bit.
Add the Parmesan:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Season the Sauce:
Stir in the Italian seasoning, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Tortellini, and Broccoli
Add the Chicken & Broccoli:
Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the steamed or blanched broccoli florets, and stir everything together.
Add the Tortellini:
Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, making sure it’s all coated in the creamy sauce. You can add a little more chicken broth if the sauce is too thick for your liking.
Step 5: Serve
Finish the Dish:
Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed. If you like a little more creaminess, feel free to add a splash more heavy cream or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve:
Serve the creamy tortellini and chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. If you want, sprinkle some more Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch!
