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Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

5.1 from 15 reviews

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cheese tortellini cooked to perfection is combined with juicy, flavorful chicken pieces and nutritious broccoli florets, all tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a satisfying and hearty dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—typically 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 8-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Prepare Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the steamed broccoli florets. Add the drained tortellini and gently toss everything together to coat with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Transfer the creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your hearty, creamy meal!

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
  • You can swap chicken breasts with cooked sausage or shrimp if preferred.
  • Fresh broccoli can be steamed or blanched before adding to the skillet to maintain crunch and color.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoother melting.
  • If sauce thickens too much, thin it out with some reserved pasta cooking water or extra chicken broth.
  • This recipe can be prepared gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini, creamy pasta, chicken recipe, broccoli, one-pan meal, quick dinner, Parmesan sauce