🍝 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli (Mediterranean-Style Twist)

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli is rich, comforting, and packed with balanced flavor. Tender cheese tortellini are tossed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and a light Parmesan cream sauce.

While creamy pasta dishes are more indulgent, this Mediterranean-inspired version keeps it lighter by using olive oil, moderate cheese, lean protein, and plenty of vegetables.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining!

🌿 Why This Has a Mediterranean Twist

✔ Olive oil instead of butter
✔ Lean chicken breast
✔ Generous broccoli for fiber
✔ Moderate Parmesan (aged cheese)
✔ Balanced portions

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup half-and-half (or light cream)
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook Tortellini

Boil according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook Broccoli

Blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes or steam until tender-crisp. Set aside.

3️⃣ Cook Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
Cook 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4️⃣ Make Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same pan:

Add a bit more olive oil if needed.
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Add broth and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Stir in half-and-half and simmer gently.
Add Parmesan and whisk until smooth.

5️⃣ Combine

Add chicken, broccoli, and tortellini back to skillet.
Toss gently until coated and heated through.

6️⃣ Finish

Stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley.
Serve warm.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

With a fresh arugula salad
Alongside roasted cherry tomatoes
With whole-grain garlic bread
Add red pepper flakes for spice

🥗 Nutritional Highlights

✔ Balanced protein from chicken
✔ Fiber-rich broccoli
✔ Calcium from Parmesan
✔ Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats
✔ Comfort food with added vegetables

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make it lighter?

Use evaporated milk instead of cream and reduce Parmesan slightly.

Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Add it during the final step to warm through.

Q3: Can I substitute vegetables?

Try spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Q4: How do I prevent sauce from curdling?

Keep heat medium-low and do not boil after adding cream.

Q5: Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Store up to 3 days refrigerated. Add a splash of broth when reheating.

Q6: Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free tortellini and substitute cream with unsweetened cashew cream.