Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and a spoon, while your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine the rich, velvety sauce enveloping tender tortellini, juicy chicken pieces, and vibrant green broccoli—a meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a cold day. If that doesn’t get your mouth watering, I don’t know what will. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
- What can I substitute for chicken?
- How can I make this recipe healthier?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. Picture this: you’re in your kitchen after a long day, and the aroma of garlic and creamy goodness wafts through the air. You gather around the table with family or friends, sharing laughter and stories over this delicious creation. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a gathering. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make it again. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli comes together quickly, making dinner prep easy
- The flavor combination is absolutely irresistible and sure to please everyone at the table
- Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing too, turning any meal into an occasion
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what veggies or proteins you have on hand!
I remember the first time I made this creamy tortellini dish for my best friend’s birthday dinner. Her eyes lit up with joy as she took her first bite—definitely a moment I won’t forget!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal flavor; feel free to add more if you’re feeding a crowd.
Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets; they add both color and nutrients to your dish.
Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or frozen tortellini works wonderfully here; choose your favorite filling for extra flavor.
Heavy Cream: This is where the creaminess magic happens; don’t skimp—it’s worth every calorie!
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor; sprinkle generously for that gourmet touch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch; about 3-4 cloves will do nicely.
Olive Oil: A splash of quality olive oil enhances everything; it’s great for sautéing the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; always season in layers for maximum flavor impact.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and no longer pink in the center—about 7-8 minutes per side should do it.
Add Garlic: Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—just about 1 minute should suffice.
Add Broccoli: Next up, toss in chopped broccoli florets into your skillet. Sauté them with garlic until they turn bright green—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Pasta Time: While you’re working on those veggies, boil water in another pot and cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 3-5 minutes depending on whether it’s fresh or frozen.
Create Your Sauce: Lower your heat before adding heavy cream into the skillet along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined and smooth—this is where things get luscious!
Add Everything Together: Finally, chop up your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add both chicken and cooked tortellini to the sauce mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in that dreamy creamy sauce.
Enjoy serving this delicious meal hot off the stove! You might want to keep some extra Parmesan handy because trust me—people will be begging for more cheese!
You Must Know
- This creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli is a comforting masterpiece that’s easy to prepare
- The blend of flavors is irresistible, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in
- Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some greens without the kids noticing!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve creamy perfection, start by searing the chicken, then boil the tortellini while you make the sauce. Multitasking ensures everything finishes at once for a deliciously harmonious dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap broccoli for spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses to personalize this creamy delight to your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect tortellini texture, avoid overcooking; they should be al dente
- Fresh herbs elevate flavor—try basil or parsley
- Lastly, use high-quality cheese for maximum creaminess and taste
Cooking this creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would compete for seconds—no one could resist that luscious sauce!
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just increase cooking time slightly according to package instructions.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use shrimp or sautéed mushrooms as delicious alternatives in this creamy dish.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Add more vegetables like peas or carrots and reduce heavy cream for a lighter version.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender tortellini enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. Juicy chicken and vibrant broccoli make this dish not only satisfying but also visually appealing.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and sauté until bright green, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- Lower heat and add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until smooth.
- Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add both chicken and tortellini to the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
