Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen tortellini (preferably cheese or spinach-filled)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic. Set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
- While the broccoli is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in the heavy cream, and stir well. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, mixing gently to coat everything evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. This creamy chicken broccoli tortellini is perfect over a bed of spinach or a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Feel free to swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or bell peppers for variety.
- Adjust seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste for milder or spicier flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg