Welcome to a Creamy Dinner Delight!
Hey there! If you’re looking for a meal that makes your taste buds dance and your family happy, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. It’s creamy, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor! Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner. So, grab your apron, and let’s whip up something delicious!
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this dish super tasty, but it also brings along some nutritional perks. Broccoli is a star ingredient here. It’s full of vitamins C and K, plus it’s a fantastic source of fiber! The chicken will give you a protein boost, making this meal not just comforting but also filling. And don’t fret too much about the heavy cream—everything needs a little indulgence sometimes, right? Enjoy it in moderation, and you’ll be just fine.
Fun Variations to Consider
- Veggie Boost: If you’re looking to pack in even more veggies, try adding spinach or bell peppers along with your broccoli!
- Pasta Swap: Don’t have tortellini? No problem! You can sub in any pasta you love—farfalle or penne will work just as well.
- Herb Lovers: Add a pinch of dried thyme or basil for an elevated flavor profile.
- Healthier Option: You could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It’ll save on calories and still give a nice creamy texture!
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan tortellini, substitute tofu for chicken, and swap cashew cream or coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free version!
Delicious Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your cheese tortellini and cook them according to the package instructions—usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh and 7-9 minutes for frozen is perfect. Once they’re done, drain them and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once the oil is nice and hot, toss in the chicken and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. When done, take them out and set aside.
- Sauté the Broccoli: Using the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Then, add the minced garlic, stirring for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell that delicious aroma—be sure to keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn!
- Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet with the broccoli and garlic. Stir it up! Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and creamy. If your sauce seems too thick, feel free to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Combine Everything: Now, it’s time to bring the magic together! Add the cooked chicken and drained tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until it’s all coated in the creamy goodness. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to really heat everything through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish, and if you think it needs more flavor, add extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top!
- Serve: Scoop this creamy delight into bowls and dig in while it’s still hot. Trust me, you won’t want to wait!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- For even more flavor, consider marinating your chicken in Italian dressing for an hour before cooking.
- If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, might not happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Add a touch of lemon juice before serving for a burst of brightness if you like citrus flavors!
Equipment Needed
Before you start, here’s what you’ll need:
- A large pot for boiling tortellini
- A colander for draining pasta
- A large skillet to cook everything together
- A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
- A cutting board and knife for prepping the chicken and veggies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! Frozen broccoli is totally acceptable, just add it to the skillet a bit earlier so it has time to heat up properly.
- What if I want to prepare this dish in advance? You can prep the chicken and broccoli ahead of time but combine it with the sauce and tortellini right before serving for the best flavor.
- Can this meal be reheated? Absolutely! Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream to help it regain its creamy texture.
- What kind of tortellini should I use? You can use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini—it all works beautifully.
- Can I add more cheese? Oh yes! Go wild with extra cheese if you’re a cheese lover—it’ll just make the dish even creamier!
So, are you excited to dig into this delicious Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli? I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Share your thoughts and maybe even a photo of your final dish on Pinterest. Let’s spread the love of cooking together!
