Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This easy creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli is a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. The tender chicken and vibrant broccoli blend beautifully with a rich, cheesy sauce that coats the delicate tortellini.

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: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli florets to the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Use spinach instead of broccoli for a different green veggie boost.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the tortellini.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini directly?

Yes, you can cook frozen tortellini according to the package directions before adding it to the sauce. Make sure to drain well to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, water or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind this may slightly reduce the depth of flavor.

Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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4.4 from 147 reviews

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken breast pieces, and nutritious broccoli florets all enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe blends simple ingredients to create a delicious creamy meal everyone will love.

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

Ingredients

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pasta and vegetables

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)

meat

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

sauce and seasoning

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

garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.
3. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently to combine the flavors. Allow the sauce to slightly thicken for 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Cook the tortellini: While the sauce is simmering, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the tortellini to the skillet.
6. Add broccoli and chicken: Fold the steamed broccoli florets and cooked chicken back into the creamy sauce with the tortellini. Stir to coat everything evenly and warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Season and garnish: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli florets if fresh is unavailable; just steam or microwave them before adding.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
• Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread.
• Make sure to not overcook the tortellini; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.

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