If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that absolutely wows, then you have to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. This is the ultimate comfort food with pillowy cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and a rich garlicky Parmesan sauce that hugs every bite. Not only is it speedy and simple, but the flavors are so cozy and satisfying that it immediately feels like something special. When you want a dish that tastes decadent but is easy enough for any night of the week, this is truly a winner.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious meal shines thanks to simple, fresh ingredients. Each part—from the cheese-stuffed pasta to the herby Parmesan finish—plays an important role, so grab your favorites and get ready for comfort in a bowl!

Cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, these plump bites add creaminess and a pleasing chew.
Cooked chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this extra easy, and brings savory flavor and protein.
Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully—they add color, crunch, and balance to the richness.
Butter: Lends silkiness and depth to the sauce as the first step in building flavor.
Garlic: Four cloves ensure tons of garlicky aroma in every forkful—don’t hold back!
All-purpose flour: Just a tablespoon helps thicken the sauce to a perfectly velvety consistency.
Heavy cream: The luxurious base of the sauce, it creates that dreamy, creamy texture we all crave.
Chicken broth: Adds flavor and lightens the cream sauce, so it isn’t too heavy.
Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty—use freshly grated if possible for maximum flavor punch.
Salt and black pepper: These make every other flavor pop just right.
Italian seasoning: For a subtle herbal note that ties all the ingredients together.
Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but it delivers a beautiful, fresh finish and a burst of green.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Step 1: Cook Tortellini & Broccoli Together

Start by boiling your cheese tortellini in a big pot of salted water according to the package directions. For convenience and maximum flavor, toss in your broccoli florets during the last couple minutes of cooking—this lets them become crisp-tender without needing a separate pot. Once both are ready, drain and set aside. It’s such an easy way to get two components done at once!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about a minute. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned. This step is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, so take a moment to enjoy it!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it into the melted butter and garlic, cooking for another minute. This short cook time cooks out the floury taste and forms a base for your sauce. The mixture may look a bit thick and paste-like, which is just what you want before adding the liquids.

Step 4: Build the Parmesan Sauce

Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth, making sure to incorporate it smoothly so there are no lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for three to four minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. The sauce will become glossy and rich—absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Combine Everything & Finish

Add your cooked chicken, drained tortellini, and bright broccoli straight into the sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly, and cook for another one to two minutes to warm it all up. Once everything is gloriously coated in the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli sauce, you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

Garnishes

Give your finished Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli a final flourish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan, if you wish. These touches brighten the dish and make each bowl look irresistibly fresh.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want a full feast, try serving it alongside garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for even more color and crunch. A glass of chilled white wine makes a wonderful pairing, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli in wide, shallow bowls, topped with extra herbs. You can also scoop it into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun twist, or portion it into ramekins for an intimate pasta night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to three days, making it ideal for lunch prep or a speedy dinner later in the week.

Freezing

While the cheesy sauce can be frozen, the tortellini may soften a bit after thawing. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It will stay tasty for up to two months—just know the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce. Warm over low to medium heat, stirring gently until creamy and heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well. Add it during the last two minutes of cooking the tortellini so it becomes perfectly tender without turning mushy.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce?

You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli. Just remember the sauce may be a bit less thick, but still deliciously creamy.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth in the sauce. You’ll still have a wonderfully rich Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli experience—just all veggie!

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to two days ahead. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth, then toss with fresh-cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli right before serving.

What kind of Parmesan is best for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal here. Pre-grated varieties can work in a pinch, but for the absolute best flavor and melt-in-your-mouth sauce, grate it yourself if you can!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so inviting about a bowl of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli—it’s comfort food, crowd-pleaser, and weeknight hero all in one. Try it for your next dinner and fall in love with how easy and downright delicious it is!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini that features tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce that will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tortellini:

10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

For the Chicken & Broccoli:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

For the Creamy Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli: Cook tortellini according to package directions. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic, whisk in flour, then slowly add cream and broth. Simmer and thicken.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken, tortellini, and broccoli. Cook until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.