Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. I love how quick and easy it is to whip up, especially after a long day. Just think about it: tender cheese tortellini coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, perfectly paired with juicy chicken and vibrant broccoli. Seriously, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for weeknight dinners or any time you need a little pick-me-up. You’ll be savoring every single bite!
Ingredients List
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
First things first, let’s get that tortellini cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and once it’s bubbling away, add in your 12 oz of cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions—usually about 3-5 minutes—until they’re al dente. You want them just tender but still with a little bite, so don’t overdo it! Once done, drain the tortellini and set them aside while you work on the other components.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Now, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté that fragrant goodness for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s golden and aromatic. Keep an eye on it—burnt garlic is a no-go! You want that lovely garlicky scent filling your kitchen without any bitterness.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Broccoli
Next up, it’s time for the chicken and broccoli! Add in your 2 cups of cooked chicken (diced) and 2 cups of broccoli florets. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes until heated through. If you’re using fresh broccoli, you might want to steam or blanch it first to make sure it’s tender and vibrant. Even cooking is key here!
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. You want that cream to warm up and start thickening a bit. This is where the magic happens! You’ll see it transform into a luscious sauce that’s just begging for the tortellini.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s bring it all together! Stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until it’s melted and beautifully combined into the sauce. Then, gently fold in your cooked tortellini. Make sure everything is coated in that creamy goodness. This is where you really want to mix thoroughly so every bite is filled with flavor!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir, and then it’s time to dig in! Serve this warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top or even some fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Trust me, you’re going to want to enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
This dish is hearty while still being a bit lighter on calories, making it a great choice for a satisfying dinner! Enjoy knowing you’re indulging while also fueling your body with good nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli is a true winner for so many reasons! Here’s why I can’t get enough of it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less clean-up means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Flavorful Comfort: Rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and broccoli is pure bliss.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced dish that satisfies.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins for variety.
Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli turns out absolutely perfect every time! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese make a world of difference in flavor. Trust me, you’ll taste the freshness!
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Whether you’re using fresh or frozen broccoli, aim for a vibrant green and tender-crisp texture. Overcooking can lead to mushy broccoli, which isn’t what we want!
- Customize the Protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, feel free to swap in shrimp, sausage, or even some roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness!
- Be Mindful of Seasoning: Taste as you go! Everyone’s salt preference is different, so adjust seasoning to suit your taste. A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper can really elevate the dish.
- Mix in Some Greens: For added nutrition, consider tossing in some spinach or kale along with the broccoli. They’ll wilt nicely and boost the health factor without compromising flavor.
- Save Some Pasta Water: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. It’s starchy and helps the sauce cling to the tortellini perfectly!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a tortellini master in no time! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize your creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli! Here are some of my favorite variations that will keep this dish exciting every time you make it:
- Shrimp Delight: Swap out the chicken for shrimp! Just make sure to sauté them until they’re pink and cooked through, which usually takes just a couple of minutes.
- Veggie Medley: Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a colorful and nutritious boost. Just toss them in with the broccoli so they cook evenly!
- Italian Sausage: Crumble some cooked Italian sausage into the mix for a hearty twist. The spices in the sausage will add a whole new level of flavor!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the dish beautifully. Toss in some chopped herbs just before serving for a fresh finish.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the garlic. It adds a zesty punch!
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses! Try adding mozzarella for extra gooeyness or goat cheese for a tangy flavor profile.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Use whole wheat tortellini or gluten-free options to make it healthier or cater to dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
With these variations, you can create a whole new dish every time you make this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini! Get creative and let your taste buds guide you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli keeps well, so you can enjoy it again. To store, simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help revive that creamy texture as it warms up. Stir occasionally until heated through, and voilà! You’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy again. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the sauce may separate. Enjoy those tasty leftovers—you deserve it!
Imprimer
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Bliss
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and broccoli is a delicious and comforting dish.
Ingrédients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cooked chicken and broccoli, cooking until heated through.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add cooked tortellini, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for variation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Pasta
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 60g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: creamy garlic parmesan tortellini, chicken and broccoli, pasta dish
