🍝 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli
Mediterranean • Comforting • One-pan style
⭐ Ingredients (4 servings)
For the chicken
-
2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
½ tsp paprika
-
½ tsp dried oregano
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
Salt & pepper
For the pasta
-
400g cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
-
2 cups small broccoli florets
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richer)
-
½ cup chicken broth
-
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
¼ tsp nutmeg (Mediterranean touch)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
1–2 tbsp chopped parsley
-
Optional: juice of ½ lemon for brightness
🍽️ Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the chicken
-
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet.
-
Season chicken with paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
-
Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
-
Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the tortellini
Boil tortellini according to package directions (usually 3–4 minutes).
Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes.
Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce
-
In the same pan used for chicken, add 2 tbsp olive oil.
-
Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
-
Pour in milk + chicken broth.
-
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
-
Mix in Parmesan until creamy and smooth.
-
Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
(If too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, simmer a bit longer.)
4️⃣ Combine everything
Add tortellini, broccoli, and cooked chicken back into the pan.
Toss to coat well in the sauce.
5️⃣ Serve
Sprinkle with parsley and a squeeze of lemon (optional but delicious!).
Serve warm.
🌿 Mediterranean Tips & Variations
-
Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
-
Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or grilled halloumi.
-
Add greens like spinach at the end to wilt gently.
-
Swap milk for Greek yogurt at the end (off heat) for a lighter, protein-rich version.

