Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a comforting and delicious meal featuring tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken breast, and vibrant broccoli florets all coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions—3-5 minutes for fresh, 8-10 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with garlic. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens. Then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add steamed broccoli florets. Then add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together to coat with the creamy sauce. Adjust sauce consistency if needed by adding a bit more chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas based on preference.
- To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh Parmesan gives the best flavor, but pre-grated cheese works well too.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to prevent the sauce from separating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy tortellini, chicken tortellini, broccoli pasta, easy chicken dinner, creamy pasta recipe, one-pan meal