Hearty Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini: A Dreamy Comfort Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy chicken & broccoli tortellini recipe delivers pure comfort.

Hearty flavors blend seamlessly in a dish that promises satisfaction from the first bite.

Tender tortellini swim in a luxurious sauce, embracing chunks of juicy chicken and vibrant broccoli florets.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of creamy texture and robust taste.

The combination feels like a warm hug on a plate, promising to delight even the pickiest eaters.

Rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare, this meal transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch it become a new family favorite.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini Step by Step

• Tortellini Preparation

Boil a pot of salted water and cook cheese tortellini until tender. Drain and set aside for later mixing.

• Chicken Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken pieces until golden and fully done. Season with aromatic spices for extra flavor. Remove from pan and keep warm.

• Garlic Aroma

Use the same skillet to release fragrant garlic notes, creating a rich base for the upcoming sauce.

• Silky Sauce Creation

Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the pan. Simmer gently and whisk in Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy.

• Delightful Fusion

Reunite the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and tortellini in the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. Adjust liquid as needed for perfect consistency.

• Elegant Presentation

Transfer the creamy tortellini mixture to serving plates. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness. Serve immediately while still steaming hot.

Sauce Tips and Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

• Pasta Perfection: For al dente tortellini, set a timer and taste-test just before the recommended cooking time. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen, so watch carefully to avoid mushy pasta.
• Protein Power Play: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or crispy tofu for a different protein twist. Vegetarians can use plant-based chicken alternatives for a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to increase nutrition and create more depth in the dish. Zucchini and mushrooms also work wonderfully in this creamy sauce.
• Sauce Secrets: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Want extra tang? Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of white wine to elevate the sauce's complexity.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Italian herb blends to personalize the flavor. A sprinkle of fresh basil or a dash of nutmeg can transform the entire dish's taste profile.

Serving Ideas for This Cozy Pasta Dish

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting meal together, creating warm memories with every delicious bite.
• Gourmet Lunch Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the tortellini dish.
• Wine Companion Suggestion: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the dish's richness, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Prep ingredients earlier in the day and quickly assemble when ready to cook, making this a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious homemade dinner.

How to Keep Tortellini Fresh and

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners. Perfect for busy professionals or families wanting delicious meals without daily cooking stress.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Safely store leftovers in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. These creamy tortellini meals stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below, maintaining delectable flavors and textures.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Separate sauce and pasta to prevent soggy texture when reheating. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before warming gently.
• Reheating Wisdom: Revive chilled or frozen tortellini by warming slowly in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth. Stir frequently to prevent sauce separation and maintain creamy consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop method ensures best taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 660 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini

• Cheese Tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese, providing a delightful texture and rich flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle Mediterranean essence.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that creates hearty, satisfying bites with a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Broccoli: Vibrant green vegetable packed with nutrients, adding crunch and a fresh garden element.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious base that transforms the sauce into a velvety, indulgent coating.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances the overall savory character of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and provides a tangy finish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the entire dish with a warm, pungent flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice blend that elevates and balances the dish's taste profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh, clean garnish and subtle herbal note.

Kitchen Gear for Tortellini Prep

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling tortellini, needs to be big enough to hold water and pasta comfortably.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken, sautéing garlic, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Colander: Crucial for draining tortellini after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring chicken broth and cream.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping parsley and mincing garlic.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Dreamy Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delicious homemade chicken & broccoli tortellini delight combines classic Italian pasta with comforting ingredients. Hearty protein, tender vegetables, and rich sauce make this meal perfect for family dinners you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken fillets (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz (340 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Tortellini Preparation: Bring a large salted water pot to a vigorous boil. Submerge cheese tortellini, cooking until they float and become tender, approximately 3-10 minutes based on fresh or frozen state.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until golden-brown and fully done, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauce Foundation: Remove chicken from skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a luxurious sauce base. Simmer while whisking, allowing mixture to thicken. Blend in Parmesan cheese until sauce reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Ingredient Integration: Return cooked chicken to skillet. Incorporate steamed broccoli florets and prepared tortellini. Gently fold ingredients, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Adjust sauce consistency with additional broth or pasta water if necessary.
5. Serving Finale: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Plate immediately while tortellini and sauce remain piping hot, preserving optimal flavor and texture complexity.

Notes

• Master Pasta Timing: Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen; watch carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Chicken Searing Secret: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk Parmesan gradually to prevent clumping and create a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to pasta and chicken.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Reserve some pasta water before draining – its starchy magic helps thin or thicken sauce while adding unexpected depth to the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg