Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is the kind of meal that makes you want to gather your favorite people around the table and dig in together. It’s a lush, creamy, flavor-packed dish where pillowy cheese tortellini mingle with golden seared chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luxuriously garlicky Parmesan sauce. Every bite strikes the perfect balance between rich comfort and bright freshness, making this an irresistible weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing weekend dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient is simple on its own, but together they create a symphony of flavor, color, and texture in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. Here’s why every item is essential and how it contributes to this mouthwatering dish:

• Fresh Cheese Tortellini: These tender pasta parcels soak up the creamy sauce and melt in your mouth.
• Boneless Chicken Breast: Cubed chicken cooks up juicy and golden, providing hearty protein in every forkful.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Steamed just right, broccoli brings vibrant color and a delicate crunch.
• Heavy Cream: The foundation of a velvety smooth sauce that coats every bite.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds nutty depth and signature flavor that ties it all together.
• Garlic: Six cloves deliver a generous punch of garlicky warmth—this is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, after all!
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the sauce come together into a silken, glossy finish.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crust and setting the flavor base.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions—usually just a few minutes until they’re al dente and floating to the top. Remember to ladle out a cup of pasta water before draining; that starchy gold will help you adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Set the cooked tortellini aside, but don’t worry—they’ll get their moment to shine.

Step 2: Steam and Shock the Broccoli

While your tortellini is bobbing away, steam the broccoli florets for just 3 to 4 minutes. You want them bright green and still crisp-tender. As soon as they’re ready, plunge the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to lock in that gorgeous color and stop the cooking. Drain them well and set aside—they’ll be tucked into the sauce soon.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Season your chicken cubes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and let it sear without moving for a couple of minutes—this builds a lovely, flavorful crust. Keep stirring occasionally until all sides are golden and the chicken is just cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (hello, easy clean-up!), drop in the butter and lower the heat to medium. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but take care not to let it brown. Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine and create a rich, bubbling base.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

With the skillet off the heat, gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper, then decide if you want to thin your sauce. If it’s thicker than you’d like, add splashes of your reserved pasta water little by little until it’s just right.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to your garlicky Parmesan sauce, then add the tortellini and steamed broccoli. Gently toss everything together so every bite is swaddled in that creamy, aromatic goodness. Serve immediately, with a shower of extra Parmesan and a smile—you just mastered Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan over the top, maybe with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a twist of black pepper. If you’re feeling extra, add a dash of red pepper flakes for gentle heat or a drizzle of good olive oil to finish.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a classic Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or crusty garlic bread for mopping up the sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon can turn this meal into a little celebration any night of the week.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style vibe, pile everything into a big serving bowl and let everyone help themselves. If you’re entertaining, portion the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini into shallow pasta bowls and top each one with a Parmesan crisp or a swirl of freshly cracked pepper. For a cozy lunch, spoon leftovers into a thermos for a hearty midday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get more intertwined as it sits, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

While creamy sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, this dish actually holds up pretty well. Let it cool thoroughly, divide portions into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, but stir often to ensure even heating. A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan before serving can revive all those creamy, garlicky flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just cook the tortellini according to the package instructions and drain well. Fresh or frozen, both work beautifully in this recipe and soak up the creamy sauce.

What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?

Simply skip the chicken and add extra broccoli, mushrooms, or even roasted bell peppers. You’ll have a fantastic vegetarian Garlic Parmesan Tortellini that’s just as satisfying.

Can I swap out the broccoli for another vegetable?

Definitely. Asparagus, peas, or spinach all make great substitutions and add their own unique flavors and textures to the final dish.

Is it possible to make this sauce lighter?

If you’d like a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or even use whole milk. The sauce will be less rich but still delicious and silky.

How can I make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini spicy?

For a kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve the finished dish with extra on top. A little bit goes a long way and gives the dish a lovely spark!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels extra special but comes together with ease, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is your answer. It’s cozy, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you—give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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