Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re craving a truly comforting, flavor-packed dinner that brings the whole family running to the table, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is the kind of dish that absolutely delivers. Loaded with plump cheese tortellini, juicy golden chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s got everything you love in one skillet. This is the kind of recipe you hold onto, knowing it’ll be just as welcome on a cozy weeknight as it would be at a casual get-together with friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the heart of this meal, and every ingredient plays a special role in making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini so irresistible. Choose the best you can find, and you’ll be rewarded with rich, cheesy flavor, satisfying bites of chicken, and that signature creamy finish.

• Fresh cheese tortellini: These little pasta pillows soak up all the luscious sauce and add delightful cheesiness with every bite.
• Boneless chicken breast, cubed: When seared, the chicken will be golden and juicy, turning this from a side to a hearty main.
• Fresh broccoli florets: Just a quick steam gives you a pop of green and a fun textural contrast to all the creaminess.
• Heavy cream: This is the backbone of your sauce, giving it that trademark silkiness everyone loves.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Don’t skimp on this — grating it fresh makes the sauce melt-in-your-mouth smooth and packs in intense flavor.
• Garlic, minced: Loads of garlic infuse every layer of the dish, making it deeply aromatic and savory.
• Butter: Melts into the sauce for a rich, luxurious texture and slightly nutty flavor.
• Olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken to a golden crisp, without overpowering flavors.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by filling a big pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil. Add your fresh cheese tortellini and cook just until they’re al dente — you want them tender but not mushy. Before you drain, save a cup of that starchy pasta water, which you just might need for your sauce later. Once drained, set the tortellini aside and get ready for the next player.

Step 2: Steam and Shock the Broccoli

Nothing beats vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli tossed in your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. Steam the broccoli florets for around 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re bright green and easily pierced with a fork. To keep that perfect color and crunch, plunge them straight into an ice bath, then drain them well.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Pat those chicken cubes dry and season them with a little salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and toss in the chicken, letting it sear until beautifully golden and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. The goal is juicy bits with just a bit of crisp around the edges. Set the chicken aside when done.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

Without even washing your skillet (hello, easy cleanup!), melt butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to keep it from browning — you want fragrant, not burnt, garlic. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking as you go to keep things smooth. Remove from the heat and slowly whisk in that freshly grated Parmesan until you have a creamy, dreamy sauce. If it looks a bit thick for your liking, whisk in some reserved pasta water a splash at a time. Don’t forget a taste for seasoning!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with your tortellini and cooled broccoli. Gently toss everything until it’s luxuriously coated in sauce. Take a moment to admire how all those good smells and gorgeous colors mean dinner is almost ready! Serve right away, garnished with even more Parmesan if you like — trust me, you’ll want it.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

Go for a flourish! A shower of freshly grated Parmesan is a classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a little color and freshness. If you like some heat, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes. Even a drizzle of good olive oil on top can feel restaurant-fancy.

Side Dishes

Because Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is already rich and filling, light, refreshing sides work best. Try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a platter of roasted veggies. Warm garlic bread is always a hit to help scoop up any last bits of that heavenly sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the tortellini in wide, shallow bowls with the sauce spooned generously over the top. You can also assemble individual portions in small cast-iron skillets for a bistro-style look, or create a family-style platter, letting folks dig in at the table for a truly cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the pasta from drying out. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the sauce gets a chance to soak in!

Freezing

While the sauce may lose a bit of its luscious texture after freezing, you absolutely can stash leftovers away for a future busy night. Let the tortellini cool to room temperature before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within a month for optimum flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream over medium-low, stirring gently until the sauce becomes creamy again and everything is heated through. The microwave works too — just cover and use medium power to avoid drying out the chicken or separating the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini is a great substitute and readily available in most grocery stores. Just cook them according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe as written for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

Feel free to swap in other quick-steaming veggies like asparagus, green beans, or peas. Even spinach tossed in at the end works beautifully, adding more color and freshness to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Just leave out the chicken and add more tortellini or a mix of sautéed mushrooms for extra hearty flavor while keeping the spirit of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini alive.

How can I make it lighter?

To lighten things up, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. Another option is to reduce the amount of Parmesan and add more vegetables for a lighter spin on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.

Is it possible to make the sauce ahead?

You can absolutely make the garlic-Parmesan sauce ahead of time! Store it in the fridge for up to two days, then gently reheat before adding the tortellini, chicken, and broccoli whenever you’re ready to assemble and serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a pan of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini — it’s simple, crave-worthy, and tailored for making memories around the table. I hope you give it a try and find yourself looking forward to the next time you can whip up this undeniable classic. Happy cooking!

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