Description
Succulent chicken and broccoli dance together in this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini Delight, promising comfort in every forkful. Rich parmesan cream sauce and tender tortellini blend seamlessly, inviting hearty enjoyment at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces (340 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently immerse the cheese tortellini, cooking until they float and become tender, approximately 3-10 minutes depending on whether they are fresh or frozen.
- Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce chicken pieces, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sear until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Allow the mixture to simmer, whisking occasionally until it thickens slightly. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add steamed broccoli florets and the prepared tortellini. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring each component is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding extra broth or reserved pasta water if needed.
- For a final touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while the tortellini and sauce remain piping hot, delivering maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Perfectly time your tortellini cooking to prevent overcooking by testing doneness and watching for floating indicators.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking, ensuring golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
- Create a silky sauce by gradually adding Parmesan cheese and stirring continuously to prevent clumping or separation.
- Steam broccoli separately to maintain vibrant green color and prevent soggy texture in the final dish.
- Select high-quality tortellini with rich cheese filling to enhance overall flavor complexity.
- Keep extra chicken broth nearby to adjust sauce consistency and prevent the dish from becoming too thick or dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg