Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli: A Creamy, Comforting One-Pan Wonder 🧄🧀🥦
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli recipe is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and crisp broccoli in a rich garlic parmesan sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. The creamy texture and bold flavors make it a family favorite that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
What makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini so special is its perfect balance of flavors. The garlic adds a punch of savory depth, while the parmesan cheese brings a nutty, umami richness. The broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also provides a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce and pillowy tortellini. It’s a complete meal that delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition in every bite.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A harmonious blend of savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and fresh broccoli creates a rich yet balanced taste experience.
- Texture: Creamy sauce coats al dente tortellini and tender chicken, with crisp-tender broccoli adding delightful contrast.
- Aroma: The scent of sautéed garlic and melting parmesan will fill your kitchen with irresistible Italian-inspired fragrance.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant green broccoli against golden chicken and cheese-filled tortellini makes for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques that yield impressive results.
- Special Equipment: Just a large skillet and basic kitchen tools are needed for this one-pan wonder.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels, with straightforward steps and minimal prep work required.
- Category: A complete main dish that works equally well for family dinners or casual entertaining.
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired with American comfort food influences, creating a fusion that appeals to all palates.
- Cost: Budget-friendly using pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to find year-round.
- Season: Perfect for any season, though particularly comforting during cooler months.
- Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need a quick but impressive meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The taste and texture of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is simply irresistible. The combination of al dente cheese-filled pasta with juicy chicken and crisp broccoli creates a perfect mouthfeel in every bite. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce ties everything together with its rich, savory flavor that’s not overly heavy.
From a convenience standpoint, this recipe is a game-changer. Everything cooks in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup after dinner. The prep work is minimal – just some simple chopping and measuring before you start cooking. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal on the table that tastes like it took much longer to prepare.
Nutritionally, this dish offers a good balance of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the tortellini, and vitamins from the broccoli. The parmesan cheese adds calcium while contributing big flavor with just a modest amount. You can easily adjust the vegetable ratio to make it even healthier.
For entertaining, this Chicken Tortellini dish is perfect because it’s universally appealing and can be made in larger quantities without much extra effort. The beautiful presentation makes it look more sophisticated than the simple preparation would suggest. It’s a great option for casual dinner parties or family gatherings.
Cost-wise, this recipe makes excellent use of affordable ingredients. Chicken thighs or breasts work equally well, and store-bought tortellini keeps the prep simple. The sauce ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making this an economical choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
The Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and Broccoli
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
- Push broccoli to the sides of the pan and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the center. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Add tortellini to the skillet. Cover and cook according to package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-9 minutes for frozen.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Return chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor variations.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
