Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini
A deliciously creamy, garlicky sauce covers cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, and broccoli. The perfect dish for satisfying your cravings!
Ingredients:
Cheese tortellini, chicken breast, garlic
Heavy cream, chicken broth, broccoli
Parmesan cheese, olive oil
Instructions:
Sauté chicken and garlic in olive oil.
Cook tortellini and prepare the garlic cream sauce.
Combine all ingredients with broccoli and serve hot.
#CheeseLoversDelight
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic. Cut broccoli into florets. Grate Parmesan cheese.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add minced garlic in the last minute and sauté until fragrant. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook Tortellini & Broccoli: While the sauce simmers, cook cheese tortellini according to package directions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water to blanch them. Drain.
5. Combine: Reduce the cream sauce heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted. Add the cooked chicken, drained tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich dish immediately while hot. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley.
How-to Summary
Sauté chicken and garlic. Prepare a creamy Parmesan sauce in the same pan. Cook tortellini, adding broccoli to the water at the end. Combine all elements in the sauce, toss gently, and serve hot for a comforting, cheesy pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Yes, shrimp or sliced Italian sausage are excellent substitutes for the chicken.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick. You can also use low-sodium broth.
Can I make it ahead of time? The sauce can separate upon reheating. For best results, prepare components separately and combine just before serving.
What if my sauce is too thin? Let it simmer longer to reduce, or create a slurry with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely. Add frozen florets directly to the sauce a few minutes before combining to heat through, or thaw and drain first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Garlic: Adding garlic too early with the chicken can cause it to burn and turn bitter. Add it in the last 60 seconds of cooking the chicken.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Always grate fresh Parmesan for a smooth melt.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking all the chicken at once can steam it instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary for a golden crust.
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Adding broccoli too early results in mushy, dull-green florets. Blanching it briefly with the pasta preserves color and texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini is the ultimate one-pan comfort food, balancing rich, cheesy flavors with fresh broccoli. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal fuss. It’s a reliably delicious dish perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests. Enjoy your cheesy, creamy creation!