Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Chicken (Printer-friendly)
Juicy chicken, cheese tortellini and broccoli in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, ready in 40 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 ounces), cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Pasta
02 - 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
→ Vegetables
03 - 2 cups broccoli florets
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
06 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Pantry
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
→ Garnish
11 - Fresh parsley, chopped, optional
# How to Prepare:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions, adding broccoli florets during final 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
02 - Season chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper.
03 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and thoroughly cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
04 - Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until aromatic.
05 - Lower heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan and stir until fully melted and sauce thickens, 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Return cooked tortellini, broccoli, and chicken to skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat with the creamy sauce. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if preferred.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy parmesan sauce clings to every piece—like a little secret for maximum flavor.
- This dish saves dinnertime when you're craving richness but want some green, too.
02 -
- If you overcook the tortellini or broccoli, you’ll end up with mush—keep an eye on the clock.
- Letting the sauce thicken with the Parmesan, instead of cranking up the heat, means you avoid a broken, grainy mess.
03 -
- Stirring the Parmesan in slowly, off direct heat, prevents clumping and gives a perfect texture.
- Letting the pasta rest in the sauce for a minute helps flavors meld—don’t rush to serve!