Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Skillet is a rich, one-pan comfort dish that brings together tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli in a velvety garlic cream sauce. Finished with melted mozzarella and parmesan, this hearty skillet meal is ideal for weeknights when you need something satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s a crowd-pleasing classic the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience – Minimal dishes and easy cleanup.
• Comforting and filling – Loaded with pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Customizable – Swap veggies or adjust cheese to your liking.
• Family-friendly – Loved by adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini for 2–3 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the cooked tortellini and toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Cover the skillet and cook on low for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings as a main dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use different pasta: Substitute with penne or rotini if tortellini is unavailable.
• Swap the meat: Use cooked Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp.
• Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Cheese lovers’ version: Add more parmesan or a touch of cream cheese for richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce and tortellini texture may not hold up well after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, but cook it according to package directions before adding to the skillet. Drain well to avoid watering down the sauce.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. You may need to reduce it a bit longer for desired consistency.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture.

How do I keep the broccoli from overcooking?

Add it after the chicken is mostly cooked and sauté only until it’s crisp-tender.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it up to the step before adding cheese. Store in the fridge, then top with cheese and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Is this dish gluten-free?

No, but you can use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I bake this instead of stovetop?

Yes. After combining all ingredients, top with cheese and bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes until bubbly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add it in step 5 along with the tortellini and skip the searing step.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer uncovered slightly longer, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Skillet is a satisfying one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor, texture, and richness. With tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, fresh broccoli, and a velvety garlic cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy night in, it delivers all the comfort you’re looking for in a quick and easy format.

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