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If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness and a fresh pop of green, this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s a wonderful one-pan meal that brings together pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, perfectly cooked chicken, and crisp broccoli all enveloped in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Every bite is a comforting hug on a plate that’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week yet impressive enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a starring role in creating the rich taste, satisfying texture, and vibrant colors that make this dish so crave-worthy. From fresh garlic to tender chicken and the irresistible Parmesan cheese, you’ll see how simple components come together beautifully.
- 1 lb cheese-filled tortellini: Choose fresh or frozen for that soft, cheesy bite that anchors the dish.
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs: Cooked and sliced, they add hearty protein and savory flavor.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a bright green, crisp element that balances the richness.
- 4 cloves garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides creaminess that makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key for a nutty, sharp flavor and smooth melting.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps develop a golden base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing chicken and broccoli without overpowering flavors.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Brings a subtle savory backdrop and helps create the sauce consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that brightens the dish with herbaceous notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese-filled tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain them well and set aside while you move on to the next components. The tortellini serves as the tender, cheesy foundation of the dish, so handle it with care!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the sliced chicken breasts or thighs, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until they develop a beautiful golden color and are cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t rush, letting the chicken brown perfectly builds flavor that carries through the whole dish.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. This quick cooking keeps the broccoli vibrant and prevents it from getting soggy. Remove and set them aside with the chicken for later.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the freshly minced garlic and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom, which add essential depth.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens to a rich, velvety texture—this should take about 5 minutes. Then, season with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, creating that signature flavor blend that makes this “Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe” such a standout.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken, broccoli, and tortellini back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce coats every delicious bite. Let this meld on the heat for another 2 to 3 minutes to ensure each ingredient is warm and the flavors marry perfectly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe is ready to serve hot—go ahead and sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh herbs on top if you like for an inviting finishing touch. It’s a creamy, savory, and fulfilling meal that’s guaranteed to become a favorite at your table.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, or even some red pepper flakes can elevate this dish’s appearance and add layers of flavor. These simple touches add a pop of color and a bit of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic breadsticks would round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this skillet directly in a cast iron pan to keep it warm at the table and create a rustic vibe. You can also plate it over a bed of sautéed spinach or mixed greens for an added layer of texture and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more after sitting, making reheated portions equally delicious.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the broccoli and cream sauce might change slightly. If freezing, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet gently over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick after reheating to bring back its smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking so it cooks evenly and remains tender. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute with half-and-half mixed with a bit of butter, or use whole milk with a thickener like cornstarch, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to keep it hearty and delicious while maintaining that wonderful Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe flavor profile.
Is fresh Parmesan necessary?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer flavor compared to powdered Parmesan, which is key for the creamy sauce’s texture and taste.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?
Sautéing the broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp ensures it keeps a nice bite and vibrant green color, perfect for balancing the dish’s creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a busy day. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
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Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet combines tender cooked chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheese-filled tortellini all enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this skillet dish is quick to prepare and packed with savory flavors that meld beautifully for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (cooked and sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (avoid powdered)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the skillet bottom to incorporate flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken, broccoli, and tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Heat through: Let the combined ingredients cook together for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and warm everything through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skillet hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cheese-filled tortellini as per your convenience.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas if desired.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Grated Parmesan cheese is preferred over powdered for better melting and flavor.
- Ensure not to burn the garlic when cooking to avoid bitterness.
- This dish can be prepared with chicken thighs or breasts according to your preference.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
