Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

This creamy garlic parmesan tortellini dish combines pillowy cheese-filled pasta with tender chicken and fresh broccoli, all tossed in a rich, velvety sauce. I created this recipe when I needed a quick yet impressive dinner for unexpected guests, and it has since become my go-to comfort food that feels special enough for any occasion.

This recipe came to life during a particularly busy week when I needed something substantial yet quick. The first time I made it, my family fell completely silent at the dinner table, a rare and telling sign of culinary success in my household.

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini: forms the hearty base and requires almost no prep work
• Boneless chicken breasts: add satisfying protein and absorb all the delicious flavors
• Fresh garlic: creates an aromatic foundation that transforms the dish
• Heavy cream: provides that luxurious restaurant quality texture
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally
• Broccoli florets: bring color, nutrition, and a pleasant textural contrast
• Italian seasoning: infuses Mediterranean flavors throughout the dish
• Chicken broth: helps thin the sauce while adding more savory notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Tortellini:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your tortellini and cook according to package directions. Fresh tortellini typically needs just 3 to 5 minutes, while frozen requires 8 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully as overcooked tortellini can become mushy and fall apart. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite in the center. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add your bite sized chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Season generously with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes before stirring to develop a golden crust. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through with no pink remaining. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic:

Using the same skillet with all those wonderful chicken flavors, add the minced garlic to the remaining oil. Reduce heat to medium low and stir constantly for about one minute. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden but not brown. This brief cooking releases the aromatic compounds without developing bitterness.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits contain concentrated flavor. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring between additions to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Combine Everything:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the steamed broccoli florets. Fold in the drained tortellini gently to avoid breaking the pasta. Allow everything to simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors can meld and the tortellini can absorb some of the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or additional broth to reach your desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer the finished dish to warmed plates or a large serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is still creamy and the pasta is at its perfect texture.

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The heavy cream is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I once tried to substitute half and half to lighten the dish, and while still good, it lacked that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this recipe feel like a special treat. My daughter now requests this dish for her birthday dinner every year, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes become the most treasured family favorites.

Perfect Pasta Selection

When choosing tortellini for this recipe, consider trying cheese varieties that complement the sauce. Classic cheese tortellini works beautifully, but spinach or herb filled options add another dimension of flavor. Fresh refrigerated tortellini provides the best texture, but frozen works well in a pinch. Avoid dried tortellini for this particular dish as it tends to have a firmer texture that doesn't quite marry with the creamy sauce as harmoniously.

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Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This creamy tortellini dish can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce that will have thickened considerably in the refrigerator. Warm gently over medium low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. The dish can also be frozen for up to one month, though the texture of the broccoli may soften considerably upon thawing. I recommend slightly undercooking the broccoli initially if you plan to freeze portions.

Elegant Variations

Transform this weeknight dinner into a special occasion meal with a few simple upgrades. Replace the chicken with sautéed shrimp or scallops for a seafood version that cooks even faster. Add sundried tomatoes and baby spinach for vibrant color and additional nutritional value. For a touch of luxury, stir in a few tablespoons of mascarpone cheese just before serving or finish with a drizzle of white truffle oil. During summer months, I often add fresh basil instead of parsley for a bright, seasonal twist.

Common Queries

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, both fresh and frozen tortellini work well. Adjust the cooking time based on packaging instructions.

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic over medium heat just until fragrant, about a minute. Avoid high heat to keep it from turning bitter.

→ What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

Loosen the sauce by stirring in extra chicken broth or some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

→ How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking, and allow it to brown in the skillet for extra flavor.

→ Can I substitute another vegetable for broccoli?

Absolutely! Spinach, asparagus, or peas are delicious alternatives for variety and can be added at the end of cooking.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a satisfying vegetarian option.