Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

🍝 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

with Chicken & Broccoli (Full Recipe – Mediterranean Style)

⏱ Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: ~35 minutes
Serves: 4

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🧺 Ingredients

• 500 g (18 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup cooking cream (or half-and-half)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook tortellini:
   Bring salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
   Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Cook chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
   Sauté until golden and fully cooked (5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Garlic & broccoli:
   In the same pan, add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Add broccoli and sauté 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender.

4. Make creamy sauce:
   Lower heat to medium. Add cream and pasta water.
   Stir in Parmesan, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes until thickened.

5. Combine:
   Add cooked chicken and tortellini to the sauce.
   Toss gently until everything is coated and warmed through.

6. Finish:
   Taste and adjust seasoning.
   Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.

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🌿 Mediterranean Touches

• Olive oil instead of butter

• Fresh herbs for brightness

• Light creaminess, not heavy

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🧡 Tips & Variations

• Use sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor

• Swap broccoli for spinach or asparagus

• Make it lighter with Greek yogurt + cream

• Add lemon zest for freshness