let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe
If you’re seeking a dinner that’s both easy to whip up and rich in comforting flavors, let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli should absolutely make its way to your regular rotation. Picture juicy chicken, plump cheese tortellini, vibrant broccoli, and a lusciously creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce all cozied up together in just one skillet. It’s a dish that checks every box: satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and weeknight-friendly, with every bite delivering bright broccoli crunch and heavenly pockets of melty cheese. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli as much as I have!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those blissful recipes that truly lets its simple ingredients shine. Each element plays an important role, from the juicy chicken breast to the sharp Parmesan and sweet pops of broccoli. Here’s how each ingredient brings extra flavor, color, or texture to your let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli.
- Olive oil: The go-to oil for sautéing, adding richness and bringing out the flavors of the chicken and garlic.
- Chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces ensure tender, perfectly cooked chicken throughout the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings for boosting all the savory goodness in every component.
- Broccoli florets: For bright color and just the right bit of crunch to balance out the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for an aromatic, deeply flavorful base to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the cream sauce and layers in savory depth.
- Heavy cream: Delivers dreamy, silky texture and a touch of indulgence that ties everything together.
- Parmesan cheese: The heart of the sauce, adding salty, umami richness and helping the sauce cling to every tortellini.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat for those who love a gentle kick (totally adjustable to your preference).
- Cheese tortellini: Pillowy, cheesy pasta bites—grab them from the refrigerated section for the fastest weeknight solution!
- Butter: Swirled in at the end for a glossy finish and extra flavor boost.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green at the end wakes up every bite (and makes the plate pop, too).
How to Make let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Get started by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming, season your chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken into the hot skillet and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every so often so everything gets golden and fully cooked through. Once those juicy bites are ready, scoop them out onto a plate and keep them handy for later.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic
In the same skillet (no need to wash it—keep those chicken-y flavors!), add the broccoli florets. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they’re crisp-tender. You want the broccoli to be bright and snappy, not mushy! Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. The kitchen should already smell amazing at this point.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and let it come to a simmer. Then, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and the red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. This is where the let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli magic really starts—the sauce will thicken slightly as it simmers, wrapping every ingredient in cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Now, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini right into that bubbling sauce. Stir to coat the pasta well so none of those precious tortellini pockets get left behind. Cover the skillet, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the tortellini’s tender and that sauce has thickened beautifully.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Time to add back the golden chicken you set aside! Return the chicken to the skillet and add in the butter. Stir until the butter melts and everything is deliciously coated in sauce. Take a minute here to admire how all the colors and textures come together—let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli truly looks as heavenly as it tastes.
How to Serve let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli

Garnishes
Don’t skip that bright finishing touch! A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brings a hit of color but also lifts the flavors right before serving. For an extra special flourish, dust each bowl with a little more Parmesan—because with let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli, there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some toasted garlic bread to mop up every bit of that luscious sauce. The freshness and crunch of the salad or the warm, crusty bread is a wonderful contrast to the creamy, rich skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style approach, serve your let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli straight from the skillet at the table—simple, rustic, and inviting. For a dinner party, you can spoon it into individual bowls and top each with a few fresh parsley leaves and extra cracked black pepper for a restaurant-inspired touch. I even love piling leftovers into a baked bread bowl for a fun and cozy spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a fabulous lunch option the next day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for tortellini dishes with creamy sauces, but if needed, you can portion out the cooled let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli and tuck it in the freezer for up to one month. Keep in mind the texture of the sauce and tortellini may soften a bit when thawed, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened up. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until everything is hot and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli—just thaw it first and add it to the skillet as you would with fresh. It’s a handy shortcut for busy nights and the flavor stays vibrant.
What type Main Course
Refrigerated cheese tortellini is my favorite because it cooks quickly and holds up well in the creamy sauce. You can also use spinach, mushroom, or even chicken-filled tortellini for a fun twist on let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily leave out the chicken and swap in extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth, and you’ll still have a skillet bursting with flavor and creamy comfort.
Can I add extra cheese or other toppings?
Yes, and I highly recommend it if you’re a cheese lover! Try a sprinkle of mozzarella or even a few shavings of Pecorino for extra flavor. A crunchy breadcrumb topping added right before serving can also bring wonderful texture to let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
This dish is fantastic for prepping ahead: you can chop your chicken and broccoli in advance and even mince the garlic so that everything is ready to go when you start cooking. If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, you’ll save even more time in your let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli prep.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try your hand at let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli. It’s savory, creamy, and packed with feel-good ingredients—all in one pan! This is a meal that’s designed to bring people together (and to put big smiles on faces). Give it a go and enjoy every flavorful bite!
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let with Tender Chicken & Crisp Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheesy tortellini in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and easy one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Skillet:
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 10 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Skillet: In the same skillet, cook broccoli for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Add tortellini, cover, and simmer for 4–5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in butter until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute frozen broccoli or add mushrooms/spinach for variety.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top before serving for extra cheesiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg