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Why Make This Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a fantastic dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream, and flavorful cheese tortellini. It is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal effort, you can have a warm, comforting meal on the table that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, the addition of broccoli adds a healthy touch to the dish!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Ingredients:

12 ounces cheese tortellini
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups broccoli florets
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Season bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Prepare bite-sized broccoli florets.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook in batches if needed until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
Add cheese tortellini to the simmering sauce and cook according to package directions (7-10 minutes). During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets.
Once tortellini are al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return cooked chicken to the skillet to reheat.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet, for a delightful meal. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner. The creamy sauce makes a great dip for bread too!

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to help restore the creamy texture.

Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch but may be softer when cooked.
Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish; it adds a nice touch of color and flavor!

Variation

You can easily switch this recipe up by using other types of proteins, like shrimp or sausage. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, instead.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen cheese tortellini. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and add it to the sauce while it simmers.

2. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness, and you can also use less cheese.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare all the ingredients in advance and cook it just before serving for an easy weeknight dinner.