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I whipped up this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini one night when I needed something quick. Now it's our family's most-asked-for comfort meal. The way those cheese-stuffed pasta pockets swim with juicy chicken chunks and fresh broccoli in that garlicky sauce - it's truly something special.
Why You'll Fall For This Dish
This meal is straight-up amazing. You get that velvety sauce, plump tortellini, juicy chicken and enough green stuff to feel good about dinner. And guess what? It all comes together in one pan in half an hour. My fussiest kid always finishes every bite when this shows up for dinner.
What You'll Need
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless skinless breasts chopped into bite-sized chunks.
- Broccoli: 2 cups florets cut roughly the same size.
- Tortellini: 1 lb fresh or frozen works fine either way.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons quality matters here.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced don't use the jarred stuff.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup low sodium is my go-to.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for that smooth richness.
- Parmesan: ¾ cup freshly grated for perfect meltability.
- Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon each more if you want.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh for brightness.
Step By Step Directions
- Brown Your Chicken First
- Heat your largest skillet add the olive oil and toss in your chicken pieces until they turn golden. This step builds tons of flavor right from the start.
- Throw In The Garlic
- Lower your heat and toss in that minced garlic. Let it get nice and fragrant but keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.
- Whip Up Your Sauce
- Pour the broth and cream into the pan making sure to scrape up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom. That's where all the goodness hides.
- Combine Everything
- Add your tortellini and broccoli bring everything to a gentle simmer cover and let it all cook together till tender.
- Finish With Cheese
- Mix in all that wonderful Parmesan until it melts completely. Sprinkle with parsley and you're good to go.
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Quick Tricks
After making this tons of times I've learned a few things keep an eye on your sauce and add a bit more broth if it thickens too much. Always grate Parmesan yourself since the bagged kind won't melt properly. And take your time browning that chicken it creates so much flavor.
What Goes With It
We can't get enough of this with some crusty garlic bread for mopping up that awesome sauce. A simple side salad rounds things out nicely. My hubby always shakes some red pepper flakes on his portion but I think it tastes fantastic as is.
Storing Your Leftovers
Got extras? Lucky you! They'll stay good in your fridge for about three days. When you want more just warm it up slowly with a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. Keep the heat low and stir it now and then for the best results.
What Makes It Special
This dish has come to my rescue more times than I can remember. It tastes like something from a fancy restaurant but it's so easy to throw together. The creamy sauce with the tender chicken and those perfect little pasta pockets just hits the spot every time. Make it once and I bet it'll become your go-to comfort food.
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Switch It Up
Feel free to play around with the recipe. Sometimes I swap in ground turkey for the chicken or toss in whatever veggies need using up. We're big garlic fans so I often throw in an extra clove or two and adding a handful of baby spinach at the end gives great color and extra nutrients.
Plan Ahead Perfection
This dish works great for busy weeks. I often cook double and pack it up for lunches throughout the week. Just remember to add a tiny splash of cream when you warm it up and heat it gently. Your lunch buddies will wonder where you got such a fancy meal.
The Little Ones Dig In
I've noticed this recipe gets my kids to actually eat their veggies without complaining. Something about that cheesy sauce makes everything taste better. My little ones actually run to the kitchen when they smell the garlic and cheese cooking it's become their favorite dinner night.
Good Enough For Guests
Don't let how fast it cooks fool you this meal can totally impress company. The colors look amazing the smell fills the house and everyone thinks you slaved away for hours. It's my secret weapon when friends drop by.
New Life For Extras
Got leftovers? Mix in some extra cheese on top and bake till bubbly for a whole new dinner. Or toss in some fresh veggies to create something completely different. You'll get two totally different meals and nothing gets wasted.
Soul-Warming Food
Every time this dish hits our table I remember why simple food made with care tastes so darn good. The rich garlicky sauce those tender pasta pockets juicy chicken bits and crisp broccoli come together in something that's more than just dinner. I really hope your family loves it as much as mine does.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen tortellini work great. Fresh cooks faster (about 3-5 mins), while frozen takes 8-10 mins. Choose what you prefer!
- → Why is pasta water saved?
That starchy water is a sauce-saver! It can loosen up thick sauces while still keeping them creamy and smooth.
- → Why steam the broccoli first?
Steaming locks in that bright green look and keeps it tender. It won’t get overcooked or mushy when added later!
- → Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Using fresh Parmesan is best since it melts beautifully and tastes way better. Pre-grated ones might not melt as smoothly due to added fillers.
- → How can I keep chicken from sticking?
Don’t crowd the pan and ensure it’s nice and hot before adding chicken. This way, you’ll get that perfect golden sear without it sticking.