There are some meals that leave an impression long after the plates are cleared. For me, this one takes me back to the first apartment I ever had on my own. The kitchen was tiny, the pots mismatched, and the spice rack consisted of little more than garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and a jar of something unlabeled that I’m still not sure about. But what I lacked in tools, I made up for in enthusiasm. That’s where this dish was born.
It was a rainy Tuesday. I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a bag of tortellini I was too broke to waste. I tossed it all together with garlic, some Parmesan I’d splurged on, and a few handfuls of broccoli to feel better about myself. What came out of that pan was nothing short of magic—creamy, cheesy, garlicky magic. Since then, it’s become one of those go-to dishes I make when I need comfort, warmth, or a little taste of home.
Why This Dish Works
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is the kind of recipe that hits every comforting note without feeling overdone. The tender chicken adds satisfying protein, while the tortellini delivers that pillowy, cheesy bite that can only be described as indulgent. And the sauce—oh, the sauce. It’s rich without being heavy, thanks to the use of Greek yogurt (or sometimes a light cream base), balanced perfectly by the nutty saltiness of freshly grated Parmesan.
The addition of broccoli isn’t just a nod to nutrition—it’s a textural contrast that brightens the whole dish. Its earthiness and slight crunch offset the creaminess of the sauce and the softness of the pasta, giving you something fresh to bite into.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) | 12 oz |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) | 2 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Greek yogurt | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth (plus extra if needed) | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
| Broccoli florets (steamed or cooked) | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Directions
- Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside. - Build the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the Greek yogurt, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Thin with extra broth if needed. - Bring It All Together
Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and tortellini into the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Let it all simmer together for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce clings to the pasta. - Taste & Serve
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, garlicky masterpiece!
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~580 kcal |
| Protein | ~45g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~28g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugar | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~550mg |
A Cozy Marriage of Flavor and Texture
At its heart, this recipe is all about balance. The garlic is mellowed by sautéing it gently in olive oil, allowing its natural sweetness to shine through. The Parmesan brings umami depth, while the Greek yogurt (or sour cream, if you prefer) lends tang and silkiness. When these components come together with the juicy chicken and the tender tortellini, what you have is a dish that’s full of personality yet completely crowd-pleasing.
The real trick is in the way everything clings together. The tortellini acts almost like a sponge for the sauce, each bite bursting with flavor. You don’t need elaborate plating or fancy garnishes here. This is comfort food, pure and simple.
Tips to Elevate This Dish
Even with simple ingredients, this dish leaves room for small tweaks that can elevate it from great to unforgettable:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and has more robust flavor than the pre-shredded kind, which often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.
- Sear the chicken well. Don’t rush this step. A golden sear adds flavor that carries through the entire dish.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli just until vibrant green. Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and dulls the plate both in color and texture.
- Add pasta water or broth as needed. This helps loosen the sauce without making it runny, and the starch from the pasta water helps everything cling.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Think of it as a canvas for whatever you have on hand or whatever season you’re in.
- Protein swaps: Try cooked Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken, or even crispy pancetta.
- Greens galore: Spinach, kale, or peas can easily replace or accompany the broccoli.
- Creamy base variations: While Greek yogurt gives a tangy, lighter touch, you can also go full decadent with heavy cream, mascarpone, or even a splash of cream cheese.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you’re after a little heat.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights or Slow Sundays
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s practical. With a cooking time under 30 minutes, it’s weeknight-friendly without feeling rushed. It’s also a fantastic choice for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days, as the flavors deepen and meld over time. Just be sure to reheat it gently and add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce as needed.
And on the flip side, this dish can absolutely shine as a weekend centerpiece. Pair it with crusty garlic bread and a chilled glass of white wine, and you’ve got yourself a cozy dinner that feels way more luxurious than the effort it took to make it.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is satisfying enough to stand on its own, but if you’re planning a dinner party or just want to stretch the meal a bit further, consider these side pairings:
- A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Garlic knots or warm focaccia for sopping up every bit of that sauce
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for more color and depth
- A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely. Frozen tortellini works beautifully—just cook it according to package instructions and drain well before adding to the sauce.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken?
Pan-searing is ideal. It locks in the juices and creates flavor through caramelization. Make sure your pan is hot, don’t overcrowd it, and let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it tender.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Easily. Omit the chicken and add more veggies—mushrooms or zucchini are great choices. You can also toss in a can of white beans for added protein.
Is Greek yogurt necessary?
Nope! You can swap in sour cream, heavy cream, or even a little cream cheese. Just keep an eye on consistency and flavor balance.
Does it reheat well?
Very well! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I freeze it?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the sauce and tortellini may suffer slightly when reheated. It’s best fresh or eaten within a few days from the fridge.
When the Fork Meets the Heart
There’s a reason some recipes become part of your personal folklore. This one is mine. It was born of necessity, evolved through experimentation, and has become a constant in my kitchen no matter the season of life. Whether I’m cooking for one or for a table full of friends, this dish always feels like a little celebration—of garlic and cheese, of comfort and creativity, of simple ingredients and the joy they can bring.
So the next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to make, remember this creamy tortellini. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is a handful of pantry staples, a little bit of patience, and a lot of heart.
Print
A Bowl of Comfort: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
A rich, cozy, and ultra-satisfying one-pan pasta dish that brings together cheesy tortellini, juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you’re craving comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 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 Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked until tender)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the Greek yogurt and chicken broth, mixing until smooth. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Thin with a little extra broth if needed.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the steamed broccoli and cooked tortellini. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with more Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Substitute sour cream or heavy cream for Greek yogurt if desired.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from raw.
- For extra veggies, try adding spinach or peas to the mix.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American