Garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies is one of my go-to meals when I’m craving something quick yet bursting with flavor. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I remember the first time I made it; it was a chaotic weeknight, and I needed something easy. The aroma of sautéed garlic and creamy sauce filled my kitchen, and I was instantly hooked. The best part? It takes just 30 minutes to whip up! Trust me, once you try this delicious combination of tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this mouthwatering garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini – I love the fresh ones, but the dried kind works too!
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced – Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots) – Feel free to swap in your favorites; zucchini or spinach work great!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – You can never have too much garlic in my book!
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce beautifully rich and creamy.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is the way to go for the best flavor!
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to get that chicken nice and golden.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always a must for seasoning your dish just right.
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken Veggies
Getting this garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies on your table is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling like crazy, toss in the 12 oz of cheese tortellini. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Drain the tortellini in a colander and set aside. Oh, the smell of fresh pasta is heavenly!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Now, let’s get that chicken going! In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add in your 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You want them to be nice and juicy inside—keep an eye on that color; it should be a lovely golden hue!
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Garlic
Once your chicken is all set, it’s time for the veggies! Toss in those 2 cups of mixed vegetables and the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté everything together for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and vibrant. The garlic will start to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma—trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now for the magic! Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir it occasionally, letting it bubble softly for a couple of minutes. Then, stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. Oh wow, this is where the richness really comes into play!
Step 5: Combine and Season
Finally, add the cooked tortellini back into the skillet and gently mix everything together, ensuring that the tortellini is coated in that luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t skip this part! A pinch of salt can elevate all those amazing flavors. Serve it hot, and don’t forget to enjoy every single bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies, I like to keep track of the nutritional side, too! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving, just to give you an idea:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind, this is just an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But it’s always nice to know what you’re serving up, right? Enjoy this comforting dish without guilt—just savor every creamy, delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and fresh veggies creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion!
- Satisfying Comfort Food: With creamy sauce and tender tortellini, it’s the ultimate comfort food that fills you up.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the garlic to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like I am, don’t hesitate to add a bit more! But if you prefer a milder flavor, start with just 2 cloves and taste as you go.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Zucchini, spinach, or even peas make fantastic additions. Just remember to adjust cooking times for softer veggies.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Make sure your chicken is cooked through but still juicy. You can check by cutting a piece in half; it should be white and no longer pink inside!
- Fresh Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated. The richness will elevate your sauce to another level!
- Leftovers are Gold: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a delicious lunch the next day, just reheat gently!
With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat them without losing that creamy goodness.
First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. It’s super important to seal it well to keep the flavors locked in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it should last for about 2 months.
When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re reheating from the fridge, simply pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you’re reheating from frozen, you can let it thaw overnight in the fridge before microwaving, or you can reheat it directly from the freezer in a pan over low heat. Just add a splash of milk or cream to help bring back that creamy texture! Stir it occasionally until heated through, and you’re good to go!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this comforting dish more than once without losing any of its delightful flavors!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with my tips and tricks:
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well and is super convenient. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, and you’ll be golden!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a mix of milk and butter for a lighter version. Just keep in mind the sauce might be a tad less rich.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein or just load up on more veggies. Mushrooms or chickpeas can add a great texture!
What vegetables work best?
Honestly, it’s up to you! I love bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, but feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand. Peas, zucchini, or even asparagus would be fantastic!
Can I make this ahead of time?
For sure! You can prepare everything up to the point of combining the tortellini and sauce. Just store the components separately in the fridge and mix them together when you’re ready to eat!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free tortellini, you’re good to go. Just check the package to make sure it’s labeled gluten-free.
How do I make it spicier?
If you like a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and veggies, or toss in some diced jalapeños. Spice it up to your heart’s content!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to freeze them, just make sure to use a freezer-safe container!
With these FAQs, I hope you feel even more equipped to whip up this delicious garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies! Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken & 5 Veggies Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic parmesan tortellini with chicken and veggies is a quick and tasty dish that combines tender tortellini with sautéed chicken and fresh vegetables in a creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add the mixed vegetables and garlic, sauté for 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine the tortellini with the chicken and sauce, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use any vegetables you prefer.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan tortellini, chicken tortellini, garlic tortellini, creamy tortellini, quick dinner