Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines ease and elegance in just one pan. Every spoonful includes cheesy tortellini, flavorful chicken, and crisp‑tender broccoli—all coated in a silky, garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests without much fuss.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb cheese tortellini

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large skillet, I melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.

2. I add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. I pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and stir in the Parmesan until it’s smooth.

4. I season with salt and pepper, then fold in cooked tortellini, sliced chicken, and steamed broccoli.

5. I cook everything together for 2–3 minutes so the sauce coats all the ingredients.

6. I serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: approximately 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• I swap chicken for Italian sausage, shrimp, or mushrooms.

• I replace broccoli with spinach, sun‑dried tomatoes, or peas.

• I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

• I add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• I stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for extra flavor.

Storage/reheating

I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm gently in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

FAQs

What kind of tortellini works best?

I typically use fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini, but frozen or shelf‑stable also work great—just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. I shred or slice rotisserie chicken for a quick and tasty shortcut.

How can I make this gluten‑free?

I substitute gluten‑free tortellini and confirm the Parmesan cheese is gluten‑free. Everything else stays the same.

Is there a dairy‑free alternative?

Yes. I swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy‑free Parmesan-style shreds to keep it creamy.

Can I freeze leftovers?

I technically can, but I don’t recommend it—the sauce may separate. I prefer enjoying leftovers fresh within a few days.

Conclusion

I love how easy and comforting this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is. With one pan and just a few ingredients, I create a flavorful, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to comfort favorite in my kitchen—and maybe in yours too!