Tonight’s dinner was an absolute winner, and I can’t wait to share it with you! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli turned out so comforting and utterly delicious. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and cheesy tortellini all bathed in a luscious, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal – easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Why I Love This Recipe
This tortellini dish has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen, and for good reason! What I love most is how it delivers big on flavor and comfort with surprisingly little fuss. The Cajun-seasoned chicken brings a wonderful savory kick, while the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is simply divine – rich, smooth, and clinging perfectly to every piece of tortellini and broccoli. It’s a complete meal in one pan (mostly!), minimizing cleanup, and the addition of vibrant broccoli makes it a balanced and wholesome choice. It feels indulgent, yet it comes together quickly, making it the ideal solution for a busy evening when you crave something truly delicious and homemade.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and delicious tortellini dish:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier result. Adjust cooking time slightly.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust to your preferred spice level. If you prefer less heat, use a milder blend or reduce the amount.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best aromatic flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This is essential for a rich, thick, and luxurious sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as the sauce may not thicken properly or could curdle.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content of the sauce. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky depth to the sauce. Regular paprika can be used, but the flavor will be milder.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano) will yield the best flavor and melt. Pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch, but fresh is superior.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Look for fresh or refrigerated tortellini in the pasta aisle for quick cooking. Dried tortellini can also be used, but cook according to its package directions.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli provides the best texture and color. If using frozen, thaw them before adding to the boiling water during the last 2 minutes. Other vegetables like chopped asparagus or spinach can be added.
- Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
Directions
Let’s get this cozy, creamy, and cheesy tortellini dish cooking in your skillet!
- Cook Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet (a deep, wide skillet works best for tossing everything later) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them generously with the Cajun seasoning. Sear the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce Base: In the same skillet (no need to clean it; those browned bits are flavor!), add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as it will taste bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the onion powder and smoked paprika. Stir everything well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken Sauce with Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, and the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth. Keep the sauce warm over very low heat.
- Cook Tortellini & Broccoli: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a rolling boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of the tortellini’s cooking time, toss in the small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen). This allows the broccoli to become tender-crisp. Drain the tortellini and broccoli together very well.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Add the drained tortellini and broccoli to the skillet as well. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until it’s fully coated in the luscious sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so all the flavors come together and warm through.
- Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, creamy comfort food!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Sear until golden and cooked through, then remove promptly.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns easily! Keep the heat low and stir constantly when it’s in the pan.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: This makes a significant difference in the sauce’s texture (smoothness) and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded if possible.
- Al Dente Tortellini: Cook the tortellini just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: If you have a smaller skillet, cook the chicken in two batches to ensure it browns nicely.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta dishes are best served hot and fresh, as the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce!
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay would complement the flavors beautifully.
- For other incredibly popular cheesy chicken dishes, consider our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for a fun appetizer.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably, and the tortellini may soften.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Reheating on the stovetop over very low heat, stirring constantly, is also an option. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish due to the cream sauce (which can separate) and the tortellini (which can become mushy).
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this tortellini dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another classic Italian comfort food, check out our Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying beef and pasta dishes, our Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini for Cozy Comfort is a must-try.
- And for another go-to cozy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, don’t miss These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners!
- Finally, for a versatile chicken and rice dish that’s a one-pan wonder, our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a winner.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal to your table with incredible ease. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, promising a bowl full of rich, creamy goodness that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the creamy comfort fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite vegetable to add to a creamy pasta dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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