Description
Creamy garlic parmesan tortellini dances with tender chicken and crisp broccoli, creating a luxurious meal that promises comfort in every bite. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a restaurant-quality dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until aromatic, releasing its fragrant oils.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously while gradually incorporating Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop depth and slightly thicken.
- Steam broccoli florets until vibrant green and tender-crisp, ensuring they maintain a slight crunch.
- Incorporate cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the creamy sauce, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Fold tortellini into the skillet, carefully coating each pasta pocket with the rich, garlicky sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luxurious.
Notes
- Opt for fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for the best texture and flavor, as they cook faster and taste more authentic than dried varieties.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out during the process.
- Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, preventing it from becoming mushy in the creamy sauce.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh from a block for maximum flavor intensity and smoother sauce consistency compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg