Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe You’ll Love

Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini dance together in this irresistible garlic parmesan chicken tortellini recipe that promises comfort in every single bite.

Pasta lovers will fall head over heels for this creamy, flavorful dish that comes together faster than you can say delicious.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of savory garlic and rich parmesan cheese.

The combination of plump tortellini and juicy chicken creates a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan add the final touch of magic to this crowd-pleasing dinner.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet spectacular recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tortellini Variations for a Change-Up

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted tofu or crispy chickpeas for a protein-packed plant-based version. Marinate alternative protein in garlic and herbs before cooking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini. Use cornstarch to thicken sauce if needed for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Reduce cream and increase chicken for higher protein content.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap Parmesan with feta cheese, and include sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Chicken Tortellini Serving Tips

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy tortellini dish in large pasta bowls for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Elegant Dinner Party Twist: Plate the chicken tortellini on white dishes, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and add a crisp side salad for sophisticated presentation.
• Quick Lunch Meal Prep: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for easy workplace or school lunch that stays delicious when reheated.
• Game Night Crowd Pleaser: Serve in a large shared dish with extra crusty bread for dipping, perfect for casual gatherings with friends and family.

Storage for Chicken Tortellini Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled tortellini to freezer-safe containers, where it will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Warm gently in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent dryness and restore sauce consistency.
• Cool completely before storing to help sauce maintain its creamy texture and prevent ingredient breakdown.

FAQs

• Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, dried tortellini works perfectly. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, which is typically 10-12 minutes.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and no longer pink inside.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk.

• Is this dish spicy?

This recipe is not spicy. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning when cooking the chicken.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: Flavorful Features

• Quick Kitchen Win: Tackle this restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to impress family or friends without complex techniques.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily adaptable recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying, creamy dish suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Packed with Flavor Punch: Combines rich Parmesan cheese, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini creating a comforting meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Incorporates protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, making it a balanced one-pan meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing deliciousness.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Tortellini

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides a golden, seasoned base for the dish.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that serves as the hearty core of the recipe.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Create a smooth, luxurious sauce base that coats the ingredients.

• Garlic, Parsley: Provide fresh, bright flavor and aromatic depth to the overall dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the flavors of the chicken and sauce.

• Broccoli: Adds nutritious green color and crisp texture to the creamy pasta dish.

Cooking Chicken Tortellini Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Tortellini

Grab your tortellini and cook it according to the package instructions.

If you’re using fresh tortellini, it’ll be quick – around 3-5 minutes.

Frozen tortellini takes a bit longer, about 8-10 minutes.

Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Warm some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the chicken and let it rest.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the same skillet.

Let it sizzle and become fragrant for about a minute.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Blend Flavors

Reunite the chicken, broccoli, and cooked tortellini with the creamy sauce.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets a loving coating of the rich sauce.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips for Chicken Tortellini Success

• Prevent overcooking tortellini by testing texture at minimum recommended time for perfectly al dente results.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve golden-brown exterior and lock in juicy flavor.
• Gradually whisk Parmesan into warm sauce to prevent clumping and ensure silky consistency.
• Blanch broccoli briefly before adding to preserve vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Use same skillet for chicken and sauce to capture delicious browned bits and maximize flavor depth.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken tortellini brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with creamy, cheesy goodness. Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, this dish delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, bite-sized
• 1 cup Parmesan, freshly grated

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) cheese tortellini
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare tortellini in boiling water according to package instructions, with fresh pasta requiring 3-5 minutes and frozen variety needing 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken pieces with preferred herbs and spices. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Lower skillet temperature and add minced garlic, sautéing for one minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Introduce cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and prepared tortellini into the sauce. Gently toss ingredients to ensure even coating and thorough heating.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Parmesan as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Cooking Tortellini Timing matters for perfect texture. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen, so watch carefully to avoid mushy pasta.
• Chicken Seasoning Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian blend to enhance flavor profile and create personal twist.
• Sauce Consistency Control thickness by adjusting cream and broth ratio. Less liquid creates richer sauce, more creates lighter version for lighter meal.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk to make dish lighter. Use gluten-free tortellini for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 140mg