Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken And Broccoli

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken And Broccoli showed up on our table one early evening when the light outside was already soft and pale, settling into the fields behind the house.

My husband had just come in from feeding the dogs and checking the fence line, and the kitchen windows were cracked open to let in the cool air. I had planned to make something quick, but the sight of broccoli waiting on the counter and a package of tortellini in the fridge suggested a slightly slower pace.

Earlier that day, our neighbor Elise had stopped by with a bundle of fresh herbs from her garden and stayed long enough to talk about weeknight meals that feel steady and nourishing.

She mentioned how much her family appreciates dishes that bring vegetables and protein together without too much fuss. That conversation stayed with me as I chopped broccoli and set a pot of water to boil, letting the rhythm of the kitchen guide the evening.

By the time the garlic warmed in olive oil and the cream began to thicken, Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken And Broccoli felt exactly right for the night. The dogs settled near the stove, my husband leaned in to check the sauce, and the house filled with a gentle warmth. Dinner came together without hurry, and when we finally sat down, it felt like the kind of meal that quietly carries a day to its close.

Short Description

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken And Broccoli combines cheese filled tortellini, tender chicken, and bright broccoli in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce for a satisfying and well rounded main course.

Key Ingredients

• 1 package 9 oz cheese tortellini
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional chopped parsley, for garnish

Tools Needed

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Steamer basket or small saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Colander

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3 to 4 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli.
Steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and just tender. They should hold their shape and offer slight resistance when pierced with a fork. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Base.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Build the Sauce.
Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to medium low. Let the cream warm and gently thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Season.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese a little at a time until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of pasta water to loosen it.

Step 6: Combine Everything.
Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated and warmed through, about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish.
Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced mix of pasta, protein, and vegetables

Creamy without feeling heavy

Straightforward steps and minimal prep

Family friendly flavors

Works well for weeknight dinners

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the Tortellini
Soft tortellini can fall apart when mixed into the sauce.
Solution: Cook just until tender and drain promptly.

Burning the Garlic
Garlic can turn bitter if browned too quickly.
Solution: Cook garlic briefly over medium heat and stir constantly.

Sauce Too Thick
A thick sauce can coat unevenly.
Solution: Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust texture.

Oversteaming the Broccoli
Broccoli can lose color and texture if overcooked.
Solution: Steam only until bright green and slightly firm.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a main course with crusty bread

Pair with a simple green salad

Enjoy with sparkling water or light white wine

Present family style in a large serving bowl

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat

Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to refresh the sauce

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, thaw and drain well before adding to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I substitute the chicken?
Cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken work well.

3. Is there a lighter cream option?
Half and half can be used, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with added liquid.

5. What tortellini filling works best?
Cheese filled tortellini pair nicely with the garlic Parmesan sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Reserve pasta water before draining

Grate Parmesan fresh for smoother melting

Season gradually to avoid over salting

Recipe Variations

Lemon Garlic Tortellini
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the sauce after adding Parmesan for a brighter finish.

Spicy Chicken Tortellini
Stir in ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for gentle heat.

Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and add ½ cup sautéed mushrooms for added depth.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Chicken And Broccoli fits naturally into evenings when the house begins to slow down. The steps are steady and familiar, allowing space for conversation and small pauses along the way. I enjoy how the broccoli keeps its color against the creamy sauce and how the pasta brings everything together without effort.

When the dishes are done and the dogs settle back into their spots, the meal leaves behind a quiet sense of ease. These are the dinners that carry a day to a gentle close, offering nourishment without excess. They often become part of the rhythm of home before you even notice.