# Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Allow yourself to indulge in this heartwarming Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. It’s a comforting dish that combines the tenderness of chicken, the freshness of broccoli, and the cheesy goodness of tortellini soaked in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. As a bonus, it’s perfect for that cozy dinner you’ve been planning.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
## Why Make This Recipe
Beyond its delightful taste, this recipe is incredibly simple and fast to prepare. It’s a one-pan meal that cuts down on your cleaning time. Plus, this creamy dish feels like a gourmet meal you can easily make at home.
## How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
## Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
## Directions
1. Begin by boiling the tortellini according to the package instructions, and then put them aside after draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced chicken. Once it’s browned and cooked through (around 7-10 minutes), remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Use the same skillet to sauté the broccoli florets and garlic. Do this for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Proceed to make the sauce by pouring the heavy cream into the skillet and bringing it to a simmer. Melt in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. Feast your senses on the smell as you season it with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Now, bring back the chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Mix all the ingredients together until they’re well covered in the sauce. Heat it all through for an extra 2-3 minutes.
6. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley as you serve this hot, creamy, and cheesy dish.
## How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
As a rich and creamy dish, this tortellini goes exceptionally well with simple garlic bread or a light side salad. The addition of the chicken means this pasta dish is robust enough to be served as a main course.
## How to Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
You can store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if necessary to rejuvenate the creamy sauce.
## Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
For the creamiest sauce, use grate-your-own Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents which can result in a less smooth sauce.
## Variation
If you don’t have tortellini on hand, feel free to swap with other types pasta such as penne, fusilli or farfalle. Vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can add additional colors and flavours to the dish.
## FAQs
#### Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well in this recipe.
#### Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken or replace it with a vegetarian substitute like mushrooms or tofu.
#### What other cheeses can I use?
While Parmesan is a classic choice, other Italian hard cheeses like pecorino or asiago would work well in this recipe.