Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli! It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance while being super quick and easy to whip up. Seriously, in just about 25 minutes, you can have this mouthwatering meal on the table, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the rich, velvety sauce that clings to the tender tortellini. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome chicken and bright broccoli, making it a comforting yet nutritious choice. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re bite-sized)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (you can adjust this based on your love for garlic!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious creaminess)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated gives the best flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season it well!)
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Alright, let’s dive into how to bring this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli to life! It’s a simple process that’ll have you feeling like a gourmet chef in no time. First things first, you’ll want to cook your tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes for fresh tortellini, but check the box to be sure. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it smokes.
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for just about 1 minute. Wow, that aroma is going to be heavenly!
- Now, add your broccoli florets. If you’re using frozen, just give them a little extra time to thaw in the pan. Cook them until they’re tender, which should take about 5 minutes. You want them vibrant and bright, not mushy!
- Once the broccoli is perfect, stir in your shredded chicken and the cooked tortellini. This is where it all comes together, so mix it well!
- Pour in that rich heavy cream and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top. Stir everything until it’s beautifully combined and creamy.
- Finally, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until everything is heated through and that sauce is just begging to cling to every bite. This should take another 2–3 minutes. And voila! Dinner is served!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlic and parmesan flavor.
- Loaded with wholesome chicken and vibrant broccoli for a balanced meal.
- One-pot wonder means less cleanup—yay!
- Kids and adults alike will devour this dish—total crowd-pleaser!
- Customizable—switch up the veggies or protein based on what you have.
- Leftovers taste just as good (if there are any!).
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, here are some of my secret tips to make your creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli absolutely perfect!
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh broccoli and freshly grated parmesan. The difference in flavor is incredible! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Keep an eye on your tortellini. If you overcook it, it can get mushy. Aim for that perfect al dente texture for the best bite!
- Garlic Lovers Unite: If you’re like me and can’t get enough garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two! Just remember to sauté it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Customize Your Veggies: Love spinach? Throw in a handful at the end for some extra greens! Or swap out the broccoli for peas or asparagus if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just add a splash of cream when reheating to keep it creamy and delicious!
- Play with Seasoning: Taste as you go! You might want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Make it your own!
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be serving up a dish that’ll make everyone ask for seconds! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Now, before you dig into this delicious creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli, let’s chat about the nutritional information! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can give you a rough estimate, it’s always best to check your own labels for the most accurate details.
- Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
- Fat: About 30g
- Protein: Around 25g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 60g
- Sugar: About 3g
- Sodium: Approximately 750mg
- Fiber: About 3g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120mg
So, if you’re looking for a meal that’s satisfying and packed with flavor, this dish checks all the boxes! Just adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, and you’re set for a delicious dinner! Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’ll be good to go!
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use cooked shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Both will add a delicious twist to the dish!
How can I make this recipe lighter?
If you want to reduce the calories, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and light cheese. You can also add more veggies and cut back on the tortellini to make it even more wholesome!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but I recommend cooking the dish fresh for the best texture. If you do have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to keep it creamy!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortellini, this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli can be a delightful gluten-free meal. Just double-check your tortellini package to ensure it fits your dietary needs!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more delightful!
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up that rich, creamy sauce. Trust me, your guests will thank you!
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta for a burst of flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini make for a colorful and healthy side that complements the dish beautifully.
- Steamed or Sautéed Spinach: A quick spinach sauté with a bit of garlic adds another layer of flavor and nutrition. Plus, the vibrant green color is so inviting!
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti pairs wonderfully with this dish!
These accompaniments will not only enhance your creamy garlic parmesan tortellini but also create a well-rounded dining experience. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious leftovers of your creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli fresh and tasty! First things first, once you’ve enjoyed your meal, allow any leftovers to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them into an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavors and keeps everything nice and creamy!
Store the container in the fridge, where your leftovers will be good for about 3–4 days. If you think you won’t finish them in that time, you can also freeze them! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months!
When it’s time to reheat your creamy garlic parmesan tortellini, I recommend doing it on the stovetop for the best results. Just add the leftovers to a skillet over medium heat. To keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out, add a splash of heavy cream or a little bit of chicken broth while stirring gently. Heat until everything is warmed through, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Place your tortellini in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps create steam), and heat in short intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until it’s heated to your liking. Just remember, it might not be quite as creamy as when you first made it, but it’ll still be delicious!
So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli even after the initial feast. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli magic
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli is a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz tortellini
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded chicken and cooked tortellini.
- Pour in heavy cream and add parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook until heated through.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Adjust cheese quantity for desired creaminess.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli
