Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

If you are craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together pillowy cheese tortellini, tender chicken bites, and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. Every forkful delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s unbelievably simple to pull together, making it a go-to weeknight dinner that will surely become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role—from the creamy tang of Parmesan adding depth, to the fresh broccoli lending a pop of color and crunch, making the dish both nourishing and delightful.

• 12 oz cheese tortellini: Choose fresh or frozen for tender, cheesy pockets that cook quickly.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to a golden brown.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory backbone to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The key to that irresistibly rich and silky sauce texture.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the cream with a subtle savory note and lightens the sauce.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce creating that quintessential cheesy flavor.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Steamed or cooked, they bring freshness and a vibrant green color.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to enhance the dish’s Italian soul.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish as an inviting garnish.

How to Make Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is crucial for properly seasoning your pasta from the inside out. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes for fresh or 8-10 for frozen. Once tender, drain the tortellini and set them aside so they’re ready to be folded into the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as they cook. Let them sauté for 5-7 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are fully cooked through. This gives the chicken a wonderful texture and flavor that shines in the final dish. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté just for about a minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring this to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes so the sauce slightly thickens. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating the silky, creamy base that defines this recipe.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Tortellini

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the steamed broccoli florets. Add the drained tortellini and toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and veggies evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water can loosen it to your desired consistency. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Now your Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is ready to wow! Transfer portions onto warm plates and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish that adds just the right touch of freshness and color.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

While fresh parsley is my go-to, feel free to add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add a lovely shine and richness on top.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables make for a hearty side as well, especially if you’re aiming to add more variety and color at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve this creamy tortellini in shallow bowls rather than plates to hold the sauce better. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side to offer guests a bright citrus twist that can cut through the richness if desired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from your Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it a delicious option for next-day meals.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible but with a small caveat—because of the cream sauce, texture may shift slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat which can cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is ideal here for that cheesy goodness inside the pasta itself, you can substitute with ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more substance.

What’s the best way to cook the broccoli?

Steaming is the preferred method to keep broccoli tender yet crisp and vibrant in color. You can also blanch it quickly in boiling water and then shock it in ice water to halt cooking if you want a bit more crunch.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep many elements in advance. For instance, cook the chicken and broccoli, and even make the sauce a day ahead. Store separately and reheat before tossing everything together with freshly cooked tortellini.

How do I avoid the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin?

The sauce thickens as it simmers and when Parmesan melts in. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer gently a bit longer until it reaches the desired creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe a try—it’s incredibly satisfying, quick to make, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish hits all the right notes for a cozy yet impressive meal. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

“`

Print