If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant meal combines pillowy cheese-filled tortellini with juicy, golden chicken and crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and fresh that feels both indulgent and homey, making it an ideal weeknight favorite or casual dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy, just straightforward ingredients that work beautifully to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. Each component plays a key role in transforming simple elements into a comforting masterpiece.
- 1 lb cheese-filled tortellini: Choose fresh or frozen for that wonderfully soft, cheesy bite.
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs: Cooked and sliced for tender, savory protein that complements the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh, crisp contrast.
- 4 cloves garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant, aromatic punch in every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky texture that makes this sauce irresistible.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated (not powdered) for the ultimate cheesy depth and nuttiness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds smoothness and richness to the sauce base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds the savory foundation for the cream sauce while keeping it light.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and balance.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and gently cooking the cheese-filled tortellini according to the package instructions. This step ensures the pasta is perfectly tender and ready to soak up the creamy sauce later. Once done, drain and set it aside carefully so it doesn’t stick together.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook until the exterior is beautifully golden and the chicken is cooked through, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on the side.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes just until they are tender-crisp, maintaining a bright green color and a satisfying crunch. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Set the broccoli aside with the chicken for later.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the freshly minced garlic and cook it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned, which is key to unlocking that sweet garlic aroma without bitterness. Pour in the chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer as you scrape up any caramelized bits from the skillet’s bottom for extra flavor.
Step 5: Combine Cream and Cheese
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the sauce to thicken beautifully. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. This creamy sauce is the heart of the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Broccoli Recipe and makes it so irresistible.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken, broccoli, and tortellini back into the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat all the ingredients with the velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld seamlessly into every bite.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is hot and perfectly coated, your skillet creation is ready to serve. Scoop generous portions onto plates, and prepare for a comforting, creamy feast that everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley over the top to add an extra burst of flavor and a touch of color. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add an exciting dimension without overpowering the delicate creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish already feels like a complete meal, but if you want to add something extra, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic for sopping up every bit of that divine sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skillet directly at the table for a rustic, family-style vibe, or plate it individually with a garnish of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon for a bright, elegant touch. Using colorful bowls or plates highlights the vibrant greens and creamy tones beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it even better the next day, but be sure to keep the dish sealed well to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While cream-based dishes can be tricky to freeze, this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Broccoli Recipe can be frozen if done with care. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, but note the texture of the broccoli may soften upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating for best texture, but it can be used in a pinch—just heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use spinach instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! Fresh baby spinach is a great alternative and will wilt beautifully into the sauce, adding a different but equally lovely flavor and texture to the dish.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick and rich. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch can help thicken it if needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or sautéed artichoke hearts for an extra savoriness that complements the creamy sauce and tortellini perfectly.
What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Go for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated or powdered varieties. Freshly grated melts better and adds a superior flavor and texture to the sauce.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinating the chicken briefly in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning before cooking can add extra depth. Also, searing it until golden brown really locks in those savory juices.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Broccoli Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something comforting, quick, and deeply satisfying. It’s loaded with flavors that hug you from the inside out and textures that keep every bite exciting. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy it as much as I do—the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli truly make it a standout dish you’ll want to make over and over again.
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Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet features tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and easy one-pan meal perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (cooked and sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (avoid powdered)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken, broccoli, and tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Final Cook: Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and meld the flavors together.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your creamy, savory skillet meal!
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini according to availability and preference.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- To cook chicken quickly and evenly, pound breasts to an even thickness before slicing and cooking.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil as garnish for extra freshness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave for up to 2 days.
