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Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! If you want to add a little extra richness to the dish, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of butter at this point for a creamier, silkier sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it all heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Next, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and thicken it further. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a bit of extra flavor, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Use Fresh or Frozen Tortellini: Both fresh and frozen tortellini work perfectly in this recipe. If you’re using frozen tortellini, make sure to cook it a bit longer to ensure it’s tender.
Customize with Veggies: If you love vegetables, feel free to add extra greens like spinach or kale, or swap the broccoli for asparagus, peas, or zucchini. This dish is very versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand.
Chicken Substitutes: You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Make it Lighter: If you want to lighten this recipe up a bit, you can use low-fat cream or replace the heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also use half the cheese for a lighter version.
Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be afraid to sprinkle in more Parmesan cheese while combining everything in the skillet. You can even top it with some mozzarella for a cheesy finish.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Every Occasion
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is one of those recipes that can be made for almost any occasion. Here’s why it’s so great: