Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Cheese tortellini; Chicken breast; Fresh broccoli; Heavy cream; Parmesan cheese; Garlic cloves; Butter; Olive oil

Published: August 20, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavorful Experience: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a rich sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and tortellini.
Versatile Ingredients: This recipe can be easily adapted by adding your favorite vegetables or using different proteins.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy pasta dish, making it a great option for family meals.
One-Pan Cooking: Most of the cooking happens in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you!

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. These tools help streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Measuring cups
Whisk
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for boiling water and cooking tortellini to perfection.
Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the creamy sauce all in one pan.
Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly without clumps.
Tongs: Useful for handling hot pasta and tossing ingredients together.

Ingredients

Tender cheese tortellini tossed in creamy garlic parmesan sauce with perfectly seared chicken and vibrant fresh broccoli.

For the Tortellini Dish

Cheese tortellini
Chicken breast
Fresh broccoli
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Garlic cloves
Butter
Olive oil

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Remove skillet from heat; gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste; if sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.

Step 6: Final Assembly

Return chicken to skillet; add cooked tortellini and steamed broccoli.
Gently toss everything together until well coated with sauce.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is all about enhancing the dish with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan create a refreshing contrast.
Caprese Salad: Combine fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a vibrant side.

Add Bread for Dipping

Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic and butter is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Focaccia: Flavorful herbed focaccia adds a lovely texture alongside the tortellini.

Finish with Extra Cheese

Parmesan Sprinkles: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan enhances the dish’s flavor.
Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, add feta cheese on top before serving.

How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Perfecting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini involves attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

Choose Quality Tortellini: Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen cheese tortellini to achieve the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Steam broccoli until just tender; it should maintain its bright color and crunch for better presentation.
Balance the Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Sear Chicken Properly: Ensure your skillet is hot enough when searing chicken to develop a golden-brown crust that adds flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

To create a well-rounded meal, consider these side dishes that pair beautifully with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus roasted with olive oil and garlic complements the creamy pasta.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic brings a fresh touch to the table.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside the rich tortellini.
Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection adds smoky flavors that enhance your meal.
Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach tossed with nuts, dried cranberries, and vinaigrette offers a light contrast to the heavy pasta dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze bring both crunch and sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish significantly. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Overcooking the Tortellini – Cooking tortellini too long can make it mushy. Always follow the package instructions and taste test for doneness.
Neglecting Pasta Water – Forgetting to reserve pasta water may lead to a thick sauce. This water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.
Using Cold Ingredients – Adding cold chicken or cream can shock the sauce. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Not Seasoning Properly – Skipping seasoning can leave your dish bland. Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Burning the Garlic – Garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily. Sauté it on medium heat and watch closely to prevent bitterness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Best used within 1-2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop – Warm over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a creamy pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini, seared chicken, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute with other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers according to your taste.

How do I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortellini made from alternative flours. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What can I serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is not only creamy and flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on your preference. Give it a try; your family will love this delightful dish!

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