Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and nutritious broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions—3-5 minutes for fresh, 8-10 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan and cook until melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Return chicken and add steamed broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini and toss to combine. Adjust sauce consistency with extra broth or pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Step 6: Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-sodium chicken broth.
• Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• If fresh Parmesan is not available, use a high-quality grated Parmesan for the best cheesy taste.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or other vegetables like spinach or peas.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent curdling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and steam or microwave it before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, though this will change the flavor slightly. Be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.

Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli recipe combines tender cheese tortellini with juicy chicken pieces and nutritious broccoli, all enveloped in a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is flavorful, satisfying, and simple to prepare using a stovetop skillet.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Protein

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

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)

Seasoning & Garnish

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions—3 to 5 minutes if fresh, 8 to 10 minutes if frozen. Drain the cooked tortellini and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
4. Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the steamed broccoli florets, and then add the cooked tortellini. Toss everything together gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve: Transfer the creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
• Fresh parsley garnish not only adds color but also a fresh herbal note.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
• Ensure broccoli is steamed until just tender to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.

Keywords: creamy tortellini, chicken broccoli pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Parmesan cream sauce, Italian comfort food