This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is comfort food at its absolute finest. Imagine plump cheese tortellini mingling with juicy, golden-seared chicken and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in an irresistibly creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. The flavors are rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying—exactly the kind of meal that makes every bite a little celebration. It’s a dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve company. Whether you’ve got a hungry family or need something cozy on a chilly night, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is how a handful of essential, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly incredible. Each one has a purpose, from building flavor to adding freshness and that all-important creamy richness.

Cheese tortellini: These tender pasta pillows are the heart of the dish, soaking up that garlicky Parmesan sauce beautifully. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini work best for speedy cooking.
Chicken breast: Lean, juicy chicken cubes add protein and substance, making this a truly satisfying one-pan meal.
Fresh broccoli: Steamed just right, broccoli provides a bright pop of color and a crisp-tender bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously silky, coating every component in decadent flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding tangy depth and a salty, nutty finish.
Garlic cloves: Don’t skimp—fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma.
Butter: Used to start the sauce, it adds richness and an irresistible sheen.
Olive oil: The best base for searing chicken, giving it flavor and a beautiful golden crust.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is key for flavorful pasta. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually just a few minutes until they’re plump and perfectly al dente. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce later if needed. Set the tortellini aside and get ready for the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the pasta cooks, steam your broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and are just fork-tender but still have some crunch. To lock in that gorgeous color and stop the cooking, plunge the florets into ice water as soon as they’re done. Drain well—you want those broccoli pieces to shine in your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini without watering down your sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breast cubes with salt and pepper for maximum flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until all sides are golden brown and the pieces are cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside—you’ll love how juicy and flavorful it turns out!

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant (watch closely to avoid burning!). Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to blend the flavors and avoid scorching.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Take the skillet off the heat and start whisking in the Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply incorporate a splash or two of that reserved pasta water—you control the consistency!

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Now comes the fun part! Return the seared chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked tortellini and the steamed broccoli. Gently toss everything together so the sauce coats every bite. Serve up your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini immediately, with an extra dusting of Parmesan and perhaps a twist of black pepper for good measure.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

Finishing touches really make this dish pop. Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan over each serving, then scatter chopped parsley or basil for color and an herby top note. For a little zing, add a grind or two of fresh black pepper right before serving—your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini will not only taste incredible, it’ll look restaurant-worthy too!

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every bit of that luscious sauce, and roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus make for a colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini in wide, shallow bowls for an elegant touch, or family-style in a large serving dish to bring everyone together. You can also spoon it into parmesan cheese bowls for a fun twist, or top with toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pack them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and taste even richer on day two, making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini a meal you’ll look forward to again.

Freezing

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini freezes surprisingly well, though the sauce may thicken slightly upon thawing. Let the dish cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, milk, or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each to avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works wonderfully in this recipe—just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and be sure to cook until al dente.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

If broccoli isn’t your favorite, try baby spinach, peas, or even asparagus tips. Any green veggie that cooks quickly and holds some texture makes a great stand-in for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.

How do I get the sauce extra creamy?

Using heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan is key, but also be sure not to overheat the sauce. Add cheese off the heat and whisk vigorously for the smoothest, dreamiest texture.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini ahead for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare as directed, allow to cool, and store in individual portions. Just reheat gently and add a little milk or cream as needed to revive the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten free?

This particular version uses regular tortellini, but you can find gluten-free tortellini at many specialty stores, and substitute gluten-free flour pasta as needed to adapt Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini for a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini highly enough—it’s a true crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed comfort on busy nights or when you’re craving something special. Give it a try, and I promise it will brighten up your dinner table and earn rave reviews from everyone who tastes it!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Tortellini:

1 pound cheese tortellini

Chicken Breast:

1 pound chicken breast, cubed

Fresh Broccoli:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Heavy Cream:

1 cup heavy cream

Parmesan Cheese:

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garlic Cloves:

3 cloves garlic, minced

Butter:

2 tablespoons butter

Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Prepare Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking, then drain and set aside.
Sear Chicken: Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly.
Add Cheese: Remove skillet from heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet, add cooked tortellini and steamed broccoli. Gently toss everything together until well coated with sauce. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.

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: 690mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, Chicken Tortellini Recipe, Creamy Tortellini, Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce