If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet totally weeknight-friendly dinner, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini absolutely delivers. This irresistible skillet meal combines pillowy cheese tortellini, golden seared chicken pieces, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. Every bite is a cozy, flavor-packed delight, guaranteed to disappear fast from your table!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to capturing that magical, comforting vibe in every bite. Each part of this recipe plays a starring role, from building rich flavors to adding downright irresistible textures and vibrant color.

Cheese tortellini: These stuffed pasta gems provide a cheesy, satisfying bite that soaks up every drop of the creamy sauce.
Chicken breast: Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken add hearty protein and make this meal truly satisfying.
Fresh broccoli: Bright green florets bring color, crunch, and a fresh, nutritious boost.
Heavy cream: A splash transforms the pan sauce into a rich, velvety coating for pasta and chicken alike.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for unbeatable nutty, salty depth in the sauce (plus a little extra for sprinkling).
Garlic cloves: Fragrant garlic infuses the entire dish with savory warmth—don’t skimp here!
Butter: Lends richness and helps the garlic bloom as you build your sauce.
Olive oil: Perfect for achieving crisp, golden-brown chicken pieces in the skillet.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Cheese Tortellini

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—a generous hand with the salt is key for flavor. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until just al dente, typically around 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scoop out about a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a little trick that will help you perfect the sauce’s silky finish later. Set your drained tortellini aside for now.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the pasta is cooking, steam your broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re vivid green and still a bit crisp. To seal in that color and crunch, plunge them into a bowl of ice water right away—this stops the cooking instantly! Drain the broccoli and set aside so they’re ready to join the party.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breast pieces dry, then sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Let it sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 4: Start the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean it, those tasty chicken bits are flavor gold!), drop in your butter over medium heat. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté just until it’s fragrant, about a minute. Your kitchen will instantly smell amazing. Pour in the heavy cream slowly, whisking to blend it into the garlicky butter.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Take the skillet off the heat and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems thick, drizzle in a little reserved pasta water at a time, whisking until you reach your desired consistency. Taste, then season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Gently return the seared chicken to the skillet. Add in your cooked tortellini and those vibrant broccoli florets. Carefully toss everything together, making sure every piece is lavishly coated in the decadent garlic parmesan sauce. Serve right away, with a shower of extra Parmesan on top!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini quite like a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a bright, herbal pop that elevates the presentation and flavor even more. If you like a hint of heat, try a dash of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta dish is hearty on its own, but side dishes can really round out the meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some oven-warm garlic bread to swipe through every last drop of sauce. Roasted asparagus or blistered cherry tomatoes also make vibrant, delicious accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

Trying to impress? Plate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini in shallow pasta bowls with a swirl for restaurant-style flair. For family-style, serve right in the skillet at the table for a cozy, shareable vibe. Or, for parties and potlucks, spoon individual portions into ramekins, shower with a final layer of Parmesan, and broil briefly for a golden top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, lucky you! Store cooled portions of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully as it sits.

Freezing

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini freezes surprisingly well. For best texture, cool the dish completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating so the creamy sauce stays smooth.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in a bit of extra cream if needed to refresh the texture. Always stir gently to prevent breaking the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works perfectly for this recipe. Just cook them according to the directions on the package, and be sure to check for that al dente bite before draining.

Is it possible to swap broccoli for another vegetable?

Definitely—this dish is wonderfully adaptable. Try baby spinach, asparagus tips, or even green peas if you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times so the veggies stay tender-crisp.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

For the best creamy sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Avoid the pre-shredded or powdered kind, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly and won’t deliver the same rich flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare many components in advance, like cooking the chicken and broccoli or even making the sauce. However, I recommend combining everything and reheating just before serving to keep the tortellini perfectly plump and tender.

Do I have to use heavy cream, or is there a substitute?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture, but you can substitute half-and-half or even a full-fat non-dairy alternative if you need a lighter option. The sauce may be a bit thinner, but it will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a chilly evening’s comfort and a busy weeknight’s dream, all rolled into one creamy, cozy skillet. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or a solo dinner treat, you’ll love just how impressive it tastes and how simple it is to whip up. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta night recipe!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a satisfying dish that combines tender cheese tortellini, seared chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Tortellini:

1 pound cheese tortellini

Chicken Breast:

1 pound chicken breast, cubed

Fresh Broccoli:

1 head fresh broccoli, cut into florets

Heavy Cream Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garlic Butter:

4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook tortellini until al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Prepare Broccoli: Steam broccoli for 3-4 minutes, plunge into ice water, drain and set aside.
Sear Chicken: Season and sear chicken until cooked through, set aside.
Make Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, pour in heavy cream and whisk.
Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth, season with salt and pepper.
Combine Everything: Toss chicken, tortellini, and broccoli in sauce until coated. Serve with extra Parmesan.

Notes

You can add cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Adjust the consistency of the sauce with reserved pasta water.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken Tortellini, Easy Dinner Recipe