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Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

5 from 5 reviews

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful, comforting dish that combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken breast, and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy households.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions—3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 8-10 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, stirring gently to avoid burning.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Then, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the steamed broccoli florets. Next, add the drained tortellini and toss everything gently to combine. Adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed by adding a little extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Serve: Transfer the creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Notes

  • Use fresh tortellini for a quicker cooking time and a more tender texture.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.
  • Steaming broccoli beforehand ensures it stays bright green and crisp-tender.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tortellini recipe, chicken tortellini, broccoli tortellini, easy pasta dinner, quick creamy pasta, Italian chicken pasta