Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini : The Ultimate Comfort Pasta Dinner

If you’ve been searching for a pasta dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini is about to become your new go-to comfort food. It’s a one-pan wonder where tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and soft cheese-filled tortellini are coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. This is the kind of meal that wins over even the pickiest eaters and has everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for an easy make-ahead dinner for busy days, this dish delivers. The combination of cheesy pasta, lean protein, and fresh vegetables makes it satisfying, while the creamy sauce gives it that indulgent restaurant-quality feel.

If you love creamy pasta dishes like this, you might also enjoy my Creamy Mushroom Pasta for another comfort-packed weeknight meal.

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Why This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli and Chicken Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The tortellini offers soft pillows of cheese that melt into every bite, the chicken brings hearty protein, and the broccoli adds a pop of freshness to keep things from feeling too heavy. The garlic Parmesan sauce coats everything in creamy richness, binding the flavors together into one harmonious dish.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, swap in different veggies, or even make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken altogether. This flexibility makes it a staple in any meal rotation.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini

• Cheese tortellini – 1 pound, fresh or refrigerated
• Cooked chicken breast – 2 cups, diced or shredded
• Fresh broccoli florets – 3 cups, bite-sized pieces
• Butter – 4 tablespoons
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
• Chicken broth – 2 cups
• Heavy cream – 1 ½ cups
• Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded (optional for extra cheesiness)
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon

If you want to make a healthier version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use whole wheat tortellini.

Choosing the Best Tortellini for This Recipe

Fresh refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly and has a soft, tender texture, which works beautifully with creamy sauces. Frozen tortellini is a budget-friendly option, but be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly. For the most flavor, choose cheese tortellini with a rich ricotta filling.

How to Cook Broccoli for Pasta Without Losing Flavor or Nutrients

One of the biggest mistakes people make with broccoli in pasta dishes is overcooking it. For the best flavor and texture, steam or blanch broccoli for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still bright green. It will finish cooking in the sauce, ensuring it stays vibrant and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

1. Cook the tortellini – In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Blanch the broccoli – Add broccoli to the boiling pasta water for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking time. Drain with the tortellini.
3. Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce – In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook for another minute to remove the raw taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Add cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the chicken and pasta – Stir in cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli until coated in the sauce. Add mozzarella if desired for extra cheesiness.
5. Serve immediately – Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.

If you want to make it a chicken broccoli tortellini bake, transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.

For another family-friendly baked dinner, check out my Cheesy Mexican Tortilla Casserole.

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How to Make a Healthier Version of This Dish

• Use whole wheat or spinach tortellini for more fiber.
• Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry.
• Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce Tips for Extra Creaminess

• Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Pre-grated cheese can cause graininess.
• Let the sauce simmer gently—boiling can cause the cream to separate.
• Add mozzarella or cream cheese for an even richer texture.

Tortellini Recipes You Can Rotate for Variety

If you love this dish, you might also try:

• Tortellini Alfredo with Spinach – Creamy and indulgent with a green twist.
• Pesto Tortellini Salad – A chilled option perfect for summer.
• Sausage and Tortellini Soup – Hearty and comforting for cold days.

For another easy weeknight pasta idea, try my Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta.

Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Nights

• Cook chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Blanch broccoli and store it separately to prevent sogginess.
• Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container; reheat gently before adding pasta.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

• Garlic bread or Garlic Herb Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
• Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables for extra nutrition

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Without Drying Them Out

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

Freezer Tips for Long-Term Storage

Tortellini dishes with cream sauce don’t freeze perfectly, but you can freeze the cooked chicken, broccoli, and plain tortellini separately. Assemble and add sauce fresh for the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Tortellini Dishes

• Overcooking tortellini, which can cause them to fall apart.
• Letting the sauce boil after adding cream, which can separate it.
• Adding broccoli too early, leading to mushiness.

Flavor Variations – From Classic Italian to Lighter Options

• Add crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, sweet note.

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FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini Recipes

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw it first and drain well to avoid watering down the sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—skip the chicken and use vegetable broth in the sauce.

What’s the best cheese for topping?
A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan gives the perfect melt and flavor.

Final Thoughts – Why This Comforting Pasta Belongs in Your Weekly Menu

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—easy to make, full of flavor, and satisfying for the whole family. With its creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and tender pasta, it’s comfort food at its finest, yet balanced with fresh vegetables and lean protein. It’s the perfect recipe to keep on repeat.

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