Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini: 5 Easy Steps to Yum

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh cheese tortellini; 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tbsp butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknights feel like a race against the clock, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is your new dinner BFF. It’s creamy, cozy, and ready in just 30 minutes—because let’s be real, no one has time for fussy cooking after a long day.

Made with juicy chicken, fresh tortellini, crisp broccoli, and a dreamy garlic parmesan sauce, this meal checks every box: quick, comforting, and picky-eater approved. Plus, it only uses one pan and a pot. Fewer dishes? Yes, please!

Whether you’re coming home from soccer practice, juggling a Zoom call while unloading groceries, or just trying to make it through another “what’s-for-dinner” moment, this dish is here to rescue your evening. It feels indulgent, tastes restaurant-quality, but is secretly super simple. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients waiting in your fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

It’s a one-pan wonder: Once the pasta and broccoli are prepped, everything comes together in one skillet.
That sauce though: Rich, creamy, and packed with garlic and Parmesan, it clings to every bite.
Kid-friendly but dinner-party worthy: Whether you’re feeding toddlers or hosting girlfriends, this dish impresses.
Meal prep friendly: Leftovers (if you have any) reheat like a dream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

From Your Kitchen:

Fresh cheese tortellini – Use high-quality fresh pasta for that perfect, pillowy texture.
Chicken breast – Cut into even cubes and season well.
Fresh broccoli – Steamed until crisp-tender.
Heavy cream – For that luxurious, silky sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best.
Fresh garlic – Finely minced for max flavor.
Butter, salt, pepper – Your pantry MVPs.

Find the full list of ingredients and detailed cooking instructions in the recipe card below.

How To Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

This is the part where the magic happens. You don’t need to be a professional chef—just bring a little enthusiasm (and maybe a glass of wine). We’re going to build layers of flavor in just a few simple steps.

1. Cook Your Tortellini

Start by boiling water and cooking the tortellini until just al dente. Save a cup of that starchy pasta water—you might need it to loosen the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t worry if they stick together a little—they’ll loosen up when they hit the sauce.

2. Steam the Broccoli

While your pasta is doing its thing, steam the broccoli just until it turns bright green and slightly tender. Shock it in ice water right after to stop the cooking—this keeps it crisp and colorful. No soggy broccoli allowed!

3. Sear the Chicken

Now we’re talking flavor. Heat a large skillet with a bit of butter or oil. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sear them until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan—you want each piece to get that gorgeous caramelized crust. Golden chicken = flavor jackpot.

4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan (no need to wash—hello, flavor!), melt a bit of butter and gently sauté the garlic until fragrant. Slowly pour in the cream, whisking as you go. Once it starts to simmer, remove it from heat and stir in the Parmesan until smooth. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like your kitchen turned into a fancy Italian bistro.

5. Combine Everything

Add the chicken, tortellini, and broccoli into the sauce and toss gently until everything’s coated and warm. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Give it a little taste—adjust salt or pepper if needed. And just like that, dinner’s ready!

Mounia’s Tip:

If your sauce starts to thicken up too much while waiting on everyone to come to the table (we’ve all been there), just add a bit more cream or that reserved pasta water to bring it back to silky perfection.

A Little Backstory

This recipe was born on a Wednesday that felt like a Monday—you know the kind. I needed something hearty, fast, and foolproof. I tossed what I had on hand into a skillet, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. Turns out, the best showed up and now this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a staple in my weeknight rotation.

It’s become one of those recipes I reach for when life feels a little overwhelming and I need a win in the kitchen. My kids ask for it by name (well, one calls it “that cheesy chicken pasta thing”), and it’s one of the few meals that everyone in my house agrees on. That alone makes it a keeper in my book.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with creamy sauce, broccoli, and seared chicken served in a white bowl. — Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini loaded with creamy cheese sauce, golden chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli—comfort food at its finest!

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely. Just cook it according to package directions and proceed with the recipe.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works in a pinch, but the sauce will be a little thinner.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Sure! Just skip the chicken or swap it with mushrooms or chickpeas.

Bring Comfort to Your Table Tonight

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini isn’t just a meal—it’s your solution to “what’s for dinner?” on the busiest of days. Creamy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to pull together, it’s everything we love in a comfort food classic. Now go grab your skillet and bring a little joy to your table tonight.

Try These Next: Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this creamy and comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious and easy recipes from the blog. Here are some perfect follow-ups that complement the flavors, textures, and cozy vibes of tonight’s dinner:

For another creamy, Parmesan-packed delight, don’t miss this cozy Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup—it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
Craving a slow-cooked twist? Try the ever-popular Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites for your next protein-packed, flavor-loaded meal.
If you’re looking for a veggie-packed, sweet-meets-savory option, the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggie is as easy as it is delicious.
Want a little pasta fun with a twist? These Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini bring the spice and cheesy comfort to your weeknight lineup.

Explore these and keep your meal planning simple, satisfying, and full of flavor!