Name: Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

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Why Make This Recipe

Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a delicious meal that fits perfectly into any busy weeknight. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese tortellini in a rich sauce. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for families. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into your dinner!

How to Make Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

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)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions—3-5 minutes for fresh, 8-10 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan and cook until melted and creamy.
Return chicken and add steamed broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini and toss to combine. Adjust sauce consistency with extra broth or pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Serve this creamy tortellini dish warm on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. You can add extra Parmesan on top for those who love cheese. It pairs nicely with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.

How to Store Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

To store leftovers, place the cooled dish in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Use fresh tortellini for a softer texture, but frozen works great too.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

Variation

You can swap the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a different twist. For a lighter version, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream.

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of tortellini?
A: Yes, any flavor of tortellini works! You can even try meat, spinach, or mushroom tortellini.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic, or serve with a hot sauce.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini and ensuring your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli