Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken is creamy, cozy, and full of comforting flavor an easy one-pan dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in less than 30 minutes. Tender chunks of chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli all come together in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal that’s satisfying, hearty, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken is everything a comfort meal should be creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of satisfying textures. The tortellini provides the perfect chewy bite, while the chicken and broccoli make it a balanced, complete meal.
It comes together quickly in one skillet with minimal prep and simple ingredients, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving something cozy, this meal delivers big flavor with very little effort the kind of dish you’ll come back to over and over again.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cook the tortellini and broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain both together and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic cream sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to lock in flavor.
Next, add the heavy cream, remaining Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add cheese and combine
Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts and becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked tortellini, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently until coated evenly in the garlic-Parmesan sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer to bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Expert Tips for Success
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Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-grated and gives the sauce rich, authentic flavor.
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Don’t overcook tortellini: It cooks quickly; remove from water once they float and are tender.
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Add veggies: Swap or add spinach, asparagus, or peas for variety.
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Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
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Adjust consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a bit more broth or a splash of pasta cooking water.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Bacon twist: Add chopped, crispy turkey bacon for a smoky contrast.
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Mushroom lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the chicken for extra depth.
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Sun-dried tomato version: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
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Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
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Vegetarian adaptation: Skip the chicken and double the broccoli or add grilled zucchini.
Serving Ideas
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Family dinner: Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
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Entertaining: Present in a large serving bowl and top with shaved Parmesan for an elegant finish.
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Meal prep: Divide into lunch containers for a satisfying, reheatable workday meal.
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Date-night dish: Pair with sparkling water and roasted veggies for a cozy dinner at home.
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Comfort food craving: Add extra Parmesan and serve in a deep bowl for that ultimate “creamy pasta” moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen cheese tortellini works perfectly. Just follow the package instructions for boiling before adding to the sauce.
Can I substitute the cream?
You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk but full cream makes the richest sauce.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with cooked, shredded chicken for a quicker version. Just skip the browning step and add it when tossing the pasta.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh since cream sauces can separate when frozen. However, leftovers can be kept in the fridge and reheated gently for a few days.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy and comforting one-pan meal with cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Elegant and quick, perfect for weeknights or guests.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring salted water to boil. Cook tortellini per package. Add broccoli last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium. Season chicken with salt, pepper, half Italian seasoning. Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked. Remove chicken.
- Lower heat, add garlic to skillet; sauté 30 seconds. Pour in broth, scrape browned bits.
- Add heavy cream, remaining seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Adjust sauce thickness with broth if needed.
- Add tortellini, broccoli, and chicken. Toss gently and cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with bread or salad.
Notes
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best for creamy sauce.
Remove tortellini as soon as tender and floating to avoid overcooking.
Add or swap vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or peas.
Use half-and-half to lighten the dish.
Thin thick sauce with chicken broth or pasta water if needed.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan pasta, chicken tortellini skillet, creamy chicken pasta, easy one pan dinner, garlic cream sauce recipe
