Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
In a large pot of salted water, bring the water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini and 8-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be sure not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini and toss everything together to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the creamy tortellini mixture to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while cooking the chicken, as this can cause it to steam rather than brown. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
- Cream Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit of pasta water or extra chicken broth to loosen it up. This helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta and creates a smoother texture.
- Broccoli Texture: If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can cook it longer. Steaming it for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet helps retain its bright green color and nutrients while keeping a nice bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 810
- Protein: 38