Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a pasta night that delivers both comfort and pure delight, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is about to become your new favorite obsession. Imagine plump cheese tortellini, golden chicken, tender broccoli, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce swirled together in one irresistible skillet — this recipe brings it all home. Each bite bursts with rich flavors and cozy textures, making it a go-to for quick weeknights or when you want to wow your family with minimal fuss. Whether you’re craving something satisfying or planning an impromptu dinner gathering, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini delivers maximum reward for very little effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples and some fresh components, you’ll be amazed at the flavor you can coax from this lineup. Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini isn’t just there for the ride — they each bring something special to the pan, balancing creamy, garlicky richness with bursts of color and texture.

• Cheese Tortellini (12 ounces): Tender pasta pillows packed with cheesy goodness, these form the hearty base of your dish and soak up all that creamy sauce.
• Chicken Breasts (2, cut bite-sized): Lean and protein-packed, these keep the meal satisfying while picking up all the savory flavors in the skillet.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For browning your chicken to tasty, golden perfection and coaxing out flavors from the garlic.
• Garlic Cloves (4, minced): The backbone of the sauce’s flavor, infusing every bite with aromatic, savory depth.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): The secret to your luxuriously smooth, rich sauce — it ties all the flavors together.
• Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory complexity and lightens the sauce so it’s creamy without feeling too heavy.
• Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Brings nutty, salty tang and melts beautifully into the sauce for extra decadence.
• Broccoli Florets (2 cups): Brightens the dish while adding gorgeous color and a subtle bite to contrast all the creamy elements.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that unifies the flavors and gives a classic Italian vibe.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A zippy, herbal finish that wakes up the whole dish just before serving.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning at every stage, letting all the ingredients shine.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cheese tortellini according to package instructions. If you’re using fresh tortellini, they’ll be ready in just 3 to 5 minutes; if frozen, give it about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside — but don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen your sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for the first few minutes; this ensures a beautiful golden crust. Cook through, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes. Once golden and juicy, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside — don’t clean the pan just yet, because that’s where all the flavor is hiding!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for just about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, then whisk in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is velvety smooth and irresistibly cheesy.

Step 4: Finish the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and drained tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and give everything a good toss until the chicken and pasta are fully coated and the broccoli turns bright green and just tender. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste, then adjust seasonings with extra salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Give your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the creamy richness underneath. Dish it up family style or in individual bowls, and watch as everyone in the room swoons!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

This dish really comes alive with a flurry of fresh parsley over the top, but don’t hesitate to add extra Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, or even some lemon zest for brightness. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can take things to the next level.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is an all-in-one, cozy main, but a crisp side salad with a lemony vinaigrette or garlicky roasted asparagus are stellar companions. A basket of warm, crusty bread is ideal for sopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce. If you want a heartier spread, serve with a simple tomato salad or marinated olives on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, ladle the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini into a large, shallow serving platter and heap extra broccoli in the center for a colorful starburst effect. Individual ramekins or mini cocottes also make this feel restaurant-worthy. For a weeknight twist, divide into bowls, top with extra cheese, and pass the pepper grinder around the table for everyone to season to taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini to an airtight container once fully cooled. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fabulous option for make-ahead lunches or next-day dinners that taste just as good as fresh.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can still freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and add a splash of milk or cream when warming to restore creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating and ensure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken instead?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover chicken cuts down on prep time and works great in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. Just fold in the chicken during the last step to warm it through and soak up the flavors.

What type of tortellini works best: fresh or frozen?

Both are delicious, but fresh tortellini cooks faster and often has a slightly more delicate texture. Frozen tortellini is a convenient pantry staple and holds up well with the rich sauce — use whatever is handy or your favorite brand.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Of course! Feel free to mix in peas, spinach, sliced bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color. Just make sure any added veggies are cooked to your liking before tossing them with the sauce and pasta.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Look for gluten-free tortellini or swap in your favorite gluten-free filled pasta. Double-check that your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free, and you’ll have a dish everyone can enjoy!

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini without cream?

If you prefer to avoid heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter (but still creamy) version. You can even use a bit of cream cheese mixed with milk if you want extra richness without the cream.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about bringing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini to the table — it turns any night into a celebration of good food, family, and togetherness. Grab a skillet, gather your favorite people, and treat everyone (including yourself!) to this unbeatable comfort dish. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes the most-requested recipe in your house!

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