Dinner

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

ByMarina Montclair May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken and fresh broccoli are tossed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite of cheese-filled tortellini. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.

A white plate holds a creamy yellow sauce layer at the bottom, covering the surface softly. On top, there are several browned pieces of grilled chicken with a golden crust, arranged evenly. Between the chicken pieces, there are soft tortellini pasta, light yellow in color, some stretched as woman's hand lifts a spoonful, showing melted cheese strands stretching from the pasta. Small green broccoli florets are scattered around, adding a splash of bright green. The overall texture looks creamy and tender with fresh chopped herbs sprinkled lightly on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use good quality, not pre-grated)
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions, adding broccoli florets in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep the browned bits (fond) in the pan.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Whisk in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and silky.
Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained tortellini and broccoli, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

Use pre-cut or frozen broccoli to save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
If the sauce begins to split or looks curdled, whisk in a splash of chicken broth to bring it back together.
For a pop of brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Try swapping the chicken for shrimp or sausage to change up the protein.
Using unsalted butter and good quality Parmesan cheese gives you better control over the dish’s saltiness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy. If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a creamy pasta dish with tortellini and browned chicken pieces. The tortellini are light yellow and folded, covered in thick, light yellow cheese sauce that stretches as a woman's hand lifts some with a fork. The chicken pieces are golden brown and seared on top, scattered evenly among the pasta. Small green broccoli florets and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled throughout, adding color contrast. The dish is rich and glossy, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini or broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, both frozen tortellini and frozen broccoli work well and make the recipe quicker. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed—add frozen broccoli towards the end of tortellini cooking to avoid overcooking.

How can I make the sauce less thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in more chicken broth or a little milk until you reach your desired consistency. Adding liquid gradually helps maintain the creamy texture.