Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Chicken (Printable)

Tortellini with seared chicken and broccoli in a silky garlic-parmesan cream-quick, satisfying weeknight entree.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 ounces), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 cups broccoli florets
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream
06 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Pantry

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

11 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook as directed on the package; add broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes. Drain both in a colander and set aside.
02 - Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
03 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Arrange chicken in a single layer and sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add butter. When melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
05 - Lower heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. When simmering gently, add Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese dissolves and the sauce thickens, 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Return the cooked tortellini, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Gently toss to evenly coat ingredients in the creamy sauce.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as necessary. Serve immediately, finished with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley if using.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The creamy sauce feels like a secret indulgence, yet comes together so easily you’ll find yourself making it on weeknights just because.
  • It’s one of those cozy all-in-one meals where every forkful gives you a little bit of everything you love.
02 -
  • If you try to rush the sauce with too high heat, it can turn grainy instead of creamy—slow and steady is key.
  • Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of the pre-shredded bag makes every difference in flavor and texture.
03 -
  • Brown the chicken in batches if needed so it crisps and doesn’t steam—this adds so much flavor.
  • Letting the tortellini and broccoli rest in the colander for just a minute ensures everything stays firm, not soggy, when tossed back in.

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