If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that wraps comfort and flavor snugly into one irresistibly creamy skillet, you have to try Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli. Pillowy cheese tortellini mingle with juicy, golden chicken, tender broccoli, and the most indulgent garlic parmesan sauce—each forkful is as rich and cozy as a dinner can get. Whether you’re making this on a busy weeknight or sharing it with friends on a special occasion, you’ll fall hard for every cheesy, garlicky bite. This one-pan wonder really earns its spot as a family favorite!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli truly shine is just how straightforward the ingredients are, while still bringing loads of flavor and gorgeous color to your plate. Each component is crucial for taste, texture, or that lush, creamy finish.

Cheese tortellini (1 lb, fresh or refrigerated): These tender little pasta pockets provide cheesy richness with hardly any effort—fresh or refrigerated will always give the best texture.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2, cut into bite-sized pieces): Choose fresh chicken for juicy, golden pieces that soak up all the garlicky sauce.
Broccoli florets (2 cups): Not only do these add vibrant color, they bring a subtle crunch and balance all the creamy flavors.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A reliable base for searing the chicken and getting everything started with richness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Nothing beats fresh garlic for that punchy aroma and deep flavor in the sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): This is what creates the dreamy, silky sauce—don’t swap for milk if you want the real deal!
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from being too thick or one-dimensional.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (3/4 cup): The star of the show, melting perfectly and adding unmistakable nuttiness.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Just a touch transforms the sauce into something extra luscious.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the pan—taste and adjust as needed.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): The finishing touch for a tiny kick and warmth.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkling this on the chicken adds subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): That final sprinkle makes everything look bright and inviting, and adds a fresh bite to each serving.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start things off by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a lively boil. Add your fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions. Aim for al dente—so the pasta holds up later in the sauce. Drain the tortellini and set it aside. There’s no need to stress about timing, either; it’s perfectly fine for the tortellini to hang out for a few minutes while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Prep the Broccoli

While the tortellini cooks, steam or blanch your broccoli just until it turns vivid green and is barely fork-tender. You want broccoli with a bit of bite, not mushy or overcooked, so watch it closely! Drain the broccoli and place it alongside your tortellini. Having both ready now means you’ll be able to toss everything together smoothly at the end.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in the chicken pieces and scatter on the salt, pepper, and an optional dusting of paprika for added warmth and color. Sauté until the chicken is beautifully golden and completely cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and try not to sneak too many bites!

Step 4: Build the Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt your tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic’s fragrance fills your kitchen. This quick step lays the flavorful groundwork for that signature Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and then the heavy cream, stirring gently as the liquids mingle. Let this bubble away for about 3 to 4 minutes, reducing slightly so the flavors concentrate and the sauce begins to thicken. Cue the anticipation—it’s smelling irresistible already!

Step 6: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce, lending that incredible nutty, salty depth essential to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli. Keep whisking until your sauce is silky and smooth, with no grainy bits in sight.

Step 7: Bring Everything Together

Now the magic happens! Return your sautéed chicken, drained tortellini, and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently coat everything with the sauce, making sure not to break up the pasta. Let it all simmer together for another 2 minutes—the flavors will marry and the sauce will cling to every bite.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the whole thing generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and bubbly, straight from the skillet. If you love extra cheese, now’s the time to shower a little more Parmesan over the top. The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is officially ready to impress!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Garnishes

A classic sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens up the dish and adds a fresh pop both visually and in flavor. For an extra flavor boost, a dusting of additional Parmesan right before serving is completely encouraged. You could even try a few grinds of black pepper or a light drizzle of olive oil for that final restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta is the true star of any meal, so choose sides that complement but don’t overpower. A crisp side salad with a zingy vinaigrette adds the perfect counterpoint to the creamy sauce, and a loaf of warm, crusty bread is just the thing for mopping up every last drop. If you want to go all out, consider some roasted cherry tomatoes or a dish of marinated olives on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight, serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli family-style in the skillet, letting everyone help themselves. Hosting a dinner party? Spoon generous mounds onto wide, shallow bowls and twirl a few tortellini on each plate for dramatic effect. You can also bake leftovers in a small casserole dish, topped with a handful of breadcrumbs and cheese for a bubbly, golden twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken a bit, but it remains super flavorful and creamy after a gentle reheat.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze this dish, keep in mind the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do want to freeze it, let everything cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet with a splash of extra cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli, place leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Add a small splash of cream or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir frequently and warm through until piping hot but not bubbling, which keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you only have frozen tortellini, just cook them according to package directions, adding a minute or so to the cooking time. The final dish will still be delicious and creamy.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth in the sauce. You can add extra broccoli or toss in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a hearty, meatless meal.

What other vegetables can I use besides broccoli?

Feel free to swap in cauliflower florets, baby spinach, or asparagus pieces depending on what’s in season or your personal taste. Just make sure to cook vegetables until just tender for the best texture.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While it’s convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts better and lends a richer flavor. Pre-grated can work in a pinch, but for the best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli, go for the real-deal Parmigiano Reggiano and grate it yourself!

Will leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day?

Definitely! Just follow the gentle reheating instructions above, and your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli will be just as creamy and satisfying for lunch as it was at dinnertime.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli! It’s the kind of comforting, stand-out dish that everyone at the table will look forward to—again and again. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a new favorite in your own home kitchen.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini dish, complete with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a decadent sauce that will have your taste buds singing. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones.

Instructions

Cook Tortellini: Boil salted water, cook tortellini, then drain.
Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli until tender.
Cook Chicken: Sauté seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through.
Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, add chicken broth and cream, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Return chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to sauce, simmer briefly.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: Creamy, Garlic, Parmesan, Tortellini, Chicken, Broccoli, Pasta, Dinner