Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini in Just 30 Minutes!

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We all have those days—back-to-back meetings, soccer practice pick-ups, and a kitchen that feels more like a pit stop than a peaceful sanctuary. Enter: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. This creamy, soul-soothing dinner is like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy, fast, and hits every comfort food craving you’ve got. Bonus? It makes picky eaters magically silent (because their mouths are full, of course).

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

If creamy pasta is your love language, this dish will speak volumes. Made with juicy bites of chicken, tender broccoli, and pillowy cheese tortellini all drenched in a rich garlic parmesan sauce—this is the dinner dreams are made of. It’s your weeknight hero, your “what’s for dinner” savior, and your leftovers-for-lunch jackpot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheese Tortellini: 12 oz (fresh is best, but frozen will do in a pinch)
Chicken: 2 boneless breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for that golden sear)
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (go big or go home, right?)
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (hello, silkiness)
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (flavor boost!)
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
Broccoli: 2 cups florets (bright and crunchy)
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste
Fresh Parsley: A small handful, chopped (for flair and freshness)

How to Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

1. Start With the Pasta

Get that water boiling—add salt like the ocean, not a pond. Cook the tortellini until they float to the top and are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Time for Garlic

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits are gold), add the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Don’t let it brown or it’ll get bitter.

4. Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle bubble, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and tortellini back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat in that dreamy garlic parmesan sauce. Let it all heat through for 2–3 minutes.

6. Finish With Herbs

Top it off with freshly chopped parsley. Take a moment to admire your masterpiece before serving it up hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tortellini

Broccoli Hack: Toss it into the boiling pasta water for the last 2 minutes to save yourself a pot!
Cheese Tip: Always grate your own Parmesan—it melts better and tastes way fresher.
Kid-Friendly Option: Skip the broccoli and add peas or corn for a sweeter twist.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This dish became a regular in our home after a chaotic week when I forgot to grocery shop (yes, even food bloggers do that). I tossed together some leftover tortellini, frozen broccoli, and a lonely chicken breast—and magic happened. My kids asked for seconds (and thirds), and my husband said, “This is restaurant-worthy!” Now, it’s a go-to meal that reminds me delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini with broccoli and seared chicken in a rich parmesan sauce. — This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate creamy comfort food—tender tortellini, golden chicken, and crisp broccoli in every bite.

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just shred it and stir it in when you combine everything in the skillet.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and just reheat while the pasta cooks.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate easy dinner that feels fancy but takes barely 30 minutes. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness with every bite—what more could you ask for? Whether it’s a Monday meltdown or a cozy weekend in, this dish is your new best friend. Go ahead, give it a spin tonight—you’ve got this!

Delicious Dishes to Try Next

If you loved this creamy tortellini recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more reader favorites that are just as comforting and easy:

Cozy up with this rich and satisfying Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Craving a flavor-packed dinner with minimal prep? Try the dreamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken—your slow cooker will do all the heavy lifting.
For a little spice and big flavor, whip up the Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs—you’ll want seconds!
Or keep the comfort food theme going strong with the ultra-creamy Crack Chicken Penne that’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds.

Click any of the links above to keep the dinnertime magic going!