If you adore creamy, comforting meals that come together quickly but taste like you spent all day in the kitchen, then this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a luscious garlic and Parmesan-infused cream sauce, perfectly complemented by juicy seared chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. This dish strikes the ideal balance between rich and fresh, making every bite a delightful celebration of flavors and textures.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe plays a crucial role—the pasta provides the perfect tender base, the chicken brings hearty protein, and the broccoli adds a pop of green freshness. The sauce ingredients come together to create that irresistible creamy cheesy coating that ties everything harmoniously.

Cheese tortellini: Use fresh or refrigerated for a soft, delicate pasta bite that holds sauce beautifully.
Chicken breast: Cubed and seared to golden perfection for juicy texture and savory depth.
Fresh broccoli: Adds crispness and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates a silky, indulgent sauce base without overpowering other flavors.
Parmesan cheese: Grated finely to melt smoothly and add that signature nutty, salty kick.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh cloves provide aromatic warmth and soulful flavor.
Butter: Used to sauté garlic gently and enrich the sauce’s texture.
Olive oil: For searing chicken, adds light richness and a subtle fruity note.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil, then add your cheese tortellini. Cook according to package directions, usually until al dente, just tender with a slight bite. Don’t forget to save about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this miracle liquid helps loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the pasta cooks, steam your fresh broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re a bright green and tender-crisp. To keep them from overcooking, immediately plunge them into ice water to halt the cooking process. This also preserves that beautiful color and fresh snap.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper to highlight their natural flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken in batches until each piece is beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter on medium heat and gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to burn it. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously, which helps the sauce develop a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce turns creamy and luscious. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained tortellini and steamed broccoli. Gently toss it all together, ensuring every piece is generously coated with that divine garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve it piping hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for good measure.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil work beautifully as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness perfectly. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can offer a subtle heat for those who like a little kick in their dish.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that irresistible sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light tomato soup are lovely accompaniments, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini family-style in a large, rustic bowl to encourage interaction and sharing. For a more elegant dinner, plate it individually with a delicate drizzle of truffle oil or a small handful of toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and luxury.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not always ideal due to the cream sauce, which can separate when thawed. If you freeze it, use a tight-sealing container and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Microwaving works too, just stir every 30 seconds to heat evenly and prevent the sauce from splitting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well—just follow the package instructions for cooking times and ensure you don’t overcook it to keep the perfect texture.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal because it sears quickly and stays tender, but chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, slightly richer flavor.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be quite as rich or thick. Adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor balance.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the chicken and add extra broccoli or other veggies like mushrooms and spinach. You could also throw in toasted walnuts or chickpeas for protein.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Whisk the Parmesan cheese in off the heat and add it gradually. Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated will also help achieve a smoother sauce.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is one of those meals that feels like an indulgence but comes together with surprising ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike. I’m confident that once you try this dish, it will become one of your cherished favorites, full of comfort and creamy, garlicky goodness that you’ll want to savor again and again.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breast, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and delivers rich flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

2 cups cheese tortellini
1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes

Vegetables

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the tortellini. Set aside.
Prepare Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop further cooking. Drain and set aside.
Sear Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to combine evenly.
Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained tortellini and steamed broccoli. Gently toss the ingredients together so everything is coated evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve immediately, optionally with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Notes

Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
To save time, use store-bought pre-cooked tortellini, but adjust cooking according to package instructions.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream option.
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing can give the dish a subtle kick.
Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its bright color and crunch.
Reserve pasta water contains starch which helps the sauce stick to the pasta better; don’t forget to save some before draining.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing, Boiling, Steaming
Cuisine: Italian-American