Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces cheese tortellini; 2 chicken breasts, bite-sized; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup Parmesan, freshly grated; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups broccoli florets; Fresh parsley for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Sink your fork into a steaming bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini and get ready for true comfort food at its finest! This dish effortlessly brings together plump cheese tortellini, juicy seasoned chicken, and tender broccoli, all smothered in a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Every ingredient shines yet mingles beautifully, creating a meal that feels both elegant and family-friendly. If you’re searching for a satisfying, one-pan wonder that’ll impress guests and satisfy hungry family members, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is your new go-to recipe.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic that happens when you use simple, high-quality ingredients! Each part of the lineup is hand-picked for its role — whether it’s bumping up flavor, adding creaminess, or lending a pop of color. Don’t skip or skimp: every ingredient in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini has a delicious justification!

12 ounces cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen, these bite-sized pasta packets burst with cheesy goodness that soak up any sauce you toss them in.
2 chicken breasts, bite-sized: Lean, juicy protein that soaks in flavor and gets beautifully golden when seared.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a luscious base for cooking the chicken, locking in moisture and flavor.
4 garlic cloves, minced: For bold, aromatic punch — don’t be shy, garlic is the heart of this dish.
1 cup heavy cream: This creates that dreamy, indulgent sauce you’ll want to scoop up with extra bread.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness of the cream and helps the sauce coat every bite.
1 cup Parmesan, freshly grated: Fresh is best for melt-in-your-mouth flavor and a salty, nutty finish.
2 cups broccoli florets: A fresh, crispy contrast that makes each bite feel wholesome and colorful.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings the warmth of dried herbs, rounding out all other flavors.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of green that’ll make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini look and taste fresh.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential basics for perfect seasoning — always taste and adjust!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is ready, add your cheese tortellini and cook them according to package instructions — about 3–5 minutes for fresh or 8–10 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside, making sure to reserve a splash of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the tortellini cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost. Toss them into the hot oil and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant and just golden, about 1 minute — don’t let it burn! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the pan. Give the sauce a quick simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Time to bring your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini masterpiece together! Add the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli florets directly into the bubbling sauce. Toss gently, letting the sauce coat every morsel. If you like your broccoli more tender, cover the pan for a couple of minutes to help it steam.

Step 5: Adjust and Finish

Taste the finished dish and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot, and get ready to watch it disappear!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

A final shower of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but don’t stop there! Shaved Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or even a light drizzle of good olive oil can add complexity and visual flair to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. For a little zip, a squeeze of lemon juice really brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong pairing this dish with warm, crusty bread — perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or carrots round out the meal and offer a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini family-style in a big, beautiful bowl at the center of your table. For a dinner party, present individual portions in shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Feeling playful? Spoon it into baked parmesan cheese cups for an appetizer that’ll make everyone swoon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pack leftovers into airtight containers, and let them cool to room temperature before sealing to preserve freshness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, let the dish cool completely. Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, though the sauce may separate slightly when thawed — a quick stir upon reheating brings everything back together beautifully!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened. The microwave also works for smaller portions — stir halfway through warming to ensure even heat and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to save time, cook the tortellini and broccoli first, then toss with shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken while preparing the sauce. It’s a great way to use up extra protein without sacrificing flavor.

What type of tortellini works best?

Fresh, refrigerated cheese tortellini are wonderfully tender and cook quickly, but frozen varieties are also delicious and hold their shape well. Either will deliver that trademark pillowy bite in your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.

Can I swap out the vegetables?

Of course! Broccoli’s snappy texture is fantastic, but you can try spinach, peas, or asparagus for different flavors and colors. Just add heartier veggies earlier so they have time to tenderize, and stir in delicate greens right at the end.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes! Swap out half the heavy cream for whole milk or use a light cooking cream — the result will be a sauce that’s still rich but less decadent. You can also use less Parmesan or opt for a part-skim variety if you prefer.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce tightens up as it stands, just stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water or a bit more chicken broth. This instantly restores the silky, luxurious texture of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dish that feels indulgent but still easy enough for a busy weeknight, give Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini a spot on your table. Every bite offers a cozy, comforting hug, and sharing it might just become your favorite new ritual. Don’t be shy — gather your loved ones and savor how effortlessly this meal comes together. Happy cooking!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini recipe combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, and a creamy parmesan sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil tortellini according to package instructions. Fresh tortellini takes 3-5 minutes, while frozen tortellini takes 8-10 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan, cook seasoned chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted.
Combine: Add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and tortellini to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
Finish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian