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I whipped up this Silky Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli on a night when I wanted something fancy but was short on time. The mix of stuffed pasta, juicy chicken chunks and crisp broccoli swimming in that smooth garlic Parmesan sauce has turned into our top pick for cozy dinners. The best part? My little ones actually eat the green stuff without a fuss.
A Dish of Total Bliss
Whenever this meal hits my stove, the whole house gets filled with that knockout garlic and cheese smell. The rich sauce wraps around each tortellini while the chicken and broccoli turn it into a full meal deal in just one skillet. It's now my trusty option when I want everyone at the table happy without being stuck cooking all night.
Your Ingredient List
- Cheese Tortellini: 12 oz refrigerated works great but you can grab frozen too.
- Chicken: 2 breasts chopped into small chunks.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons to make that chicken nice and brown.
- Garlic: 4 cloves finely chopped.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for that dreamy texture.
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup to boost the taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated right off the block.
- Broccoli: 2 cups cut into small trees.
- Seasonings: Italian herbs plus salt and pepper.
- Fresh Parsley: A bunch chopped up for a pop of green.
Cooking Steps
- Begin With Pasta:
- Toss those tortellini in really salty water and cook until they pop up to the top.
- Brown The Chicken:
- Fire up your pan, add some oil and toss in those chicken bits until they turn golden.
- Add The Flavor Base:
- Toss in your minced garlic and cook just until you can smell it, but watch out so it doesn't burn.
- Create The Sauce:
- Add your cream and broth, let it bubble a bit, then mix in all that Parmesan until everything gets velvety.
- Mix It Up:
- Drop in your chicken, broccoli and tortellini, and let them get all cozy with that amazing sauce.
- Top It Off:
- Throw on the fresh parsley and you're ready to eat.
Smart Cooking Tips
Don't cook your tortellini all the way, they'll finish in the sauce. Your broccoli should just turn bright green before going in the pan. Save a cup of pasta water in case your sauce gets too thick. Always buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself, it'll melt way better than the pre-shredded stuff.
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What Makes It Special
This meal checks all my boxes for a great family dinner - rich sauce, soft pasta, tasty chicken and fresh veggies. The whole thing happens in one pan so cleanup's a breeze, and if you've got any left the next day, it tastes even better after the flavors mingle overnight.
Switch Things Up
- Leave Out The Chicken: Throw in some mushrooms and spinach instead.
- Make It Gluten Free: Hunt down some GF tortellini options.
- Dairy Free Version: Use coconut cream and swap in nutritional yeast.
- More Color: Mix in some sweet peas or chopped sun dried tomatoes.
Great Side Options
We can't get enough of this dish with hot buttery garlic bread for mopping up all that sauce. Add a basic green salad on the side and dinner's done. Sometimes I'll throw extra veggies in the oven to roast when I'm feeling like we need more greens.
Store It Right
Any extras will keep nicely in your fridge for about 3 days. Just warm it up slowly with a tiny splash of cream when you want round two. If you need to freeze it, leave the pasta and broccoli out until serving day and it'll taste so much fresher that way.
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Final Thoughts
This easy one-pan meal layers cheesy tortellini, juicy chicken, and tasty broccoli in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. A perfect choice for a fast, delicious dinner with gourmet vibes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just thaw and steam it first to keep the bright color and texture intact.
- → What tortellini type works best?
Both work fine! Fresh pasta cooks quickly in 3-5 minutes, while frozen takes around 8-10 minutes.
- → How do I keep the sauce smooth?
Set aside a cup of pasta water. Add it little by little if the sauce starts thickening too much.
- → Can this be prepared earlier?
It’s tastiest right away, but leftovers stay good for 2 days. Reheat gently with a bit of cream to restore the texture.
- → Will pre-grated Parmesan work?
Freshly grated gives a smoother sauce. Pre-grated tends to leave the sauce a little gritty.