Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Hey there! Anna here, your go-to food lover for all things simple and delicious, especially when it comes to chicken. You know those nights when you’re starving, the fridge looks a little bare, and the thought of a complicated recipe just makes you want to order pizza? Yeah, I’ve been there a million times! That’s why I’m all about sharing chicken recipes that are not only bursting with flavor but also totally doable on a busy weeknight. Today, we’re diving headfirst into pure comfort food magic with my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. Trust me, this creamy, dreamy dish is going to become your new weeknight hero!

Alright, let’s get down to business! To whip up this incredible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, you’ll want to make sure you have everything prepped and ready. It really makes the cooking process so much smoother, and trust me, the less stress, the more delicious the food! I always try to grab the freshest ingredients I can find because it truly makes a difference in the final flavor. So, let’s see what we need!

Essential Ingredients for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

• 1 lb fresh cheese tortellini: Grab the refrigerated kind, they’re the best for this!
• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast: Cut into nice, bite-sized 1-inch cubes.
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets: Make sure they’re fresh and bright green for that perfect crisp-tender texture.

Seasonings and Liquids

• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes our sauce so luxuriously creamy.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: None of that pre-shredded stuff in a can, okay? Freshly grated melts so much better and tastes way more amazing.
• 6 cloves garlic: Finely minced, because we want that garlic punch!
• 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing that chicken and getting things started.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!

Mastering the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini! This is where all those simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular, and honestly, it comes together so fast. My favorite part is how quickly this whole chicken tortellini skillet comes together, making it perfect for those crazy weeknights. Let’s get cooking!

Preparing the Tortellini and Broccoli

First things first, let’s get our pasta and veggies ready. Grab a big pot and get some salted water boiling for the tortellini. We want to cook them until they’re just right – you know, *al dente*. That means tender but with still a little bite. Once they’re perfect, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain the tortellini. This liquid gold is key for our sauce later! Now, for the broccoli. I like to steam mine for just about 3-4 minutes. We want it bright green and still a little crisp, not mushy at all. A quick dip in ice water stops the cooking and keeps that gorgeous color. Then, drain it well.

Cooking the Chicken to Perfection

Next up, the chicken! I like to cut my chicken breast into nice, bite-sized cubes, about an inch big. Season them generously with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Get a large skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat with a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Once it’s shimmery, carefully add the chicken. You don’t want to crowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear, so cook it in batches if you have to. Let it get a beautiful golden-brown color on all sides and make sure it’s cooked all the way through, usually about 6-8 minutes. Once it’s done, just scoop it out and set it aside for a bit. Easy peasy!

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This is where the magic really happens – the sauce! In that same skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in all that minced garlic and give it a quick sauté, just about a minute, until it’s super fragrant. Oh, that smell! Now, here’s a little trick: take the skillet off the heat for a second. Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, whisk in the heavy cream. Then, whisk in all that glorious freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems a little too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water we saved earlier. A little salt and pepper to taste, and boom – you’ve got a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce!

Bringing the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Together

Alright, almost there! We’ve got our cooked chicken, our perfectly cooked tortellini, our crisp-tender broccoli, and that dreamy creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Now, just return that cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add in the drained tortellini and the broccoli. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure every single piece is coated in that amazing sauce. Seriously, look at that! It’s a beautiful, comforting bowl of deliciousness. You can give it another little stir to make sure everything is heated through, and it’s ready to serve!

Tips for an Unforgettable Chicken Tortellini Skillet

Alright, let’s talk about making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini absolutely perfect every single time. Little tweaks can make a huge difference, and I’ve learned a few things along the way that I just have to share. It’s all about building that flavor and getting that sauce just right!

Achieving the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Consistency

So, if your garlic Parmesan sauce feels a little too thick after you’ve added the cheese, don’t panic! Remember that reserved pasta water? That’s your secret weapon. Just whisk in a tablespoon or two at a time until it reaches that perfect, luxurious, coating consistency. You want it to cling to everything, not slide off. If it’s somehow *too* thin, you can always simmer it gently for another minute or two, or stir in a tiny bit more Parmesan cheese. That cheese is magic for thickening!

Ingredient Variations for Your Skillet Chicken Tortellini

This recipe is super forgiving, which is why I love it! If you’re not a big fan of broccoli, or maybe just don’t have any on hand, peas or even some fresh spinach wilted in at the end are fantastic alternatives. For an even quicker meal, especially on those *really* busy nights, feel free to swap the raw chicken breast for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and toss it in during the last step to warm through. It’s still going to be incredibly delicious! You might also enjoy this honey butter chicken alfredo pasta for another creamy chicken dish.

Serving and Storing Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Alright, the moment of truth! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is just begging to be devoured. It’s hearty and comforting, so it really shines on its own, but a few little extras can really make it sing. And don’t worry if you have leftovers, because this dish reheats beautifully!

Delicious Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this skillet chicken tortellini is a complete meal in itself. But if you want to jazz it up a bit, a sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. A side salad with a light vinaigrette is also fantastic to cut through the richness. And, of course, you can never go wrong with a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for anyone who wants to add more! You can find more lunch ideas on our site.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If, by some miracle, you have any of this deliciousness leftover, it stores like a dream. Just pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is to gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth. This helps loosen up the sauce and keep everything nice and creamy. You can also microwave it, but give it a stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Got questions about making this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those dishes that’s pretty straightforward, but sometimes a little clarification can make all the difference. Let’s dive into some common queries!

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh for this garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini recipe?

You absolutely can! If you can’t find fresh tortellini, dried works great too. Just cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. You’ll still want to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining, as it’s super helpful for getting that perfect sauce consistency. The cooking time will be a bit longer than fresh, so keep an eye on it!

How do I make the garlic Parmesan sauce thicker if it’s too thin for my chicken tortellini skillet?

Oh, the dreaded thin sauce! Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix. The best way to thicken your garlic Parmesan sauce is to gently simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes after you’ve added the cream and cheese. Stir it occasionally. You can also whisk in a little more grated Parmesan cheese – it’s a magical thickener! If it’s still a bit too loose, a tiny bit more reserved pasta water can help it coat everything perfectly. For more recipe inspiration, check out our Pinterest page.

Can I make this garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can do a little prep ahead of time! You can cook the chicken and steam the broccoli a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and broccoli, then make the sauce and combine everything as directed. Cooking the tortellini ahead of time isn’t ideal, as they can get a bit mushy. But if you have leftovers, storing and reheating as I mentioned in the serving section works wonderfully!

Nutritional Estimates for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Just a friendly heads-up that the nutritional info for this yummy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini can really vary depending on the specific brands you use and how you measure things out. This recipe is a guide, and I always encourage you to use the ingredients that you love and have on hand!

Share Your Delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini Experience

Now it’s your turn! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini turned out. Did you try any fun variations? Did your family devour it? Drop a comment below and let me know, or give this recipe a star rating! Happy cooking, everyone!

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