Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Delight

There’s something magical about a bowl of Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli. Imagine twirling tender tortellini around your fork, swimming in a velvety sauce that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The crunch of broccoli adds the perfect contrast, while juicy chicken pieces round out this delightful dish.

Now, picture yourself gathered around the dinner table, laughter filling the air as you serve everyone heaping portions of this creamy goodness. It’s the kind of meal that sparks joy and creates memories—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in with friends.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my family practically dove into their plates, leaving nothing but empty bowls behind.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well for a family-sized portion; adjust based on your crowd.

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Aim for bright green florets; they add both nutrition and vibrant color.

• Tortellini: Fresh or frozen works wonderfully; go for cheese-filled for an extra creamy experience.

• Heavy Cream: This is the magic ingredient for that lush sauce; don’t skimp on quality here.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully into the sauce, adding depth.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh cloves infuse the dish with aromatic flavor; chop them finely for maximum impact.

• Olive Oil: Use it to sauté your chicken and garlic to perfection before adding other ingredients.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t forget to taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter so you’re ready to cook without scrambling last minute. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Sauté Chicken to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics and Broccoli: Toss in minced garlic along with fresh broccoli florets. Sauté until broccoli turns bright green and garlic becomes fragrant—around 2-3 minutes.

Pasta Time!: While sautéing, boil water in another pot. Add tortellini according to package instructions—usually about 3-5 minutes until they float.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet after removing from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined—it should look irresistibly creamy!

Toss It All Together: Drain tortellini and add them straight into the sauce mixture along with sautéed chicken and broccoli. Toss gently until everything is coated in that luxurious creaminess.

Enjoy this delightful dish while it’s hot! Pair it with some crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal that will have everyone smiling (and maybe even fighting over leftovers).

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the tortellini while preparing the creamy sauce. This method ensures everything is ready at the same time, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the broccoli for spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor punch. Experiment with different cheeses to make it uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to maintain creaminess.

The first time I made creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli, my friends devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days. Their compliments made me realize how food can bring people together.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works wonderfully; just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

What can I substitute for chicken?

Try using shrimp or tofu as delicious alternatives to chicken in this recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat!

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Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

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Indulge in a bowl of Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli, where tender tortellini meets juicy chicken and vibrant broccoli in a luscious sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, this dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. With its rich creaminess and colorful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients; chop chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
3. Add minced garlic and broccoli florets; sauté for 2-3 minutes until broccoli is bright green.
4. Meanwhile, boil water in another pot; cook tortellini according to package instructions (3-5 minutes).
5. Remove skillet from heat; stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Drain tortellini and mix them into the skillet along with chicken and broccoli. Toss gently to coat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: For added flavor, substitute broccoli with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist. To maintain creaminess when reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk.