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Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli recipe features tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, combined with juicy chicken breast pieces and vibrant broccoli florets. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

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

Pasta

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Vegetables

  • 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings & Garnish

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions—about 3-5 minutes for fresh or 8-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but does not brown, to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
  4. Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the steamed broccoli florets. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss everything together gently to coat well with the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a splash of extra broth or reserved pasta water. Taste the dish and adjust seasonings of salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting, delicious meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
  • If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a spicy kick.
  • Fresh broccoli can be steamed or lightly boiled until just tender for the best texture.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tortellini recipe, chicken tortellini, broccoli pasta dish, easy dinner recipes, creamy pasta with chicken, one pan pasta, tortellini with cream sauce

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/easy-creamy-tortellini-with-chicken-and-broccoli-recipe/