Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting skillet dish featuring tender seared chicken, fresh cheese tortellini, and crisp broccoli florets all coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner, this recipe combines rich flavors and fresh ingredients in about 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb fresh cheese tortellini
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast, cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fresh cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain and set the tortellini aside.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the fresh broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without browning. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked tortellini and steamed broccoli. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is well coated with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini immediately, optionally topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is essential for adjusting the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Plunging broccoli into ice water helps maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety risks.
- To lighten the dish, you may substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, though it may affect creaminess.
