Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. It perfectly balances tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli all smothered in a rich, velvety sauce that’s unbelievably simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish brings restaurant-worthy flavor to your home kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, coming together to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. Each one plays a special role, from the creamy sauce and savory chicken to the bright green broccoli that adds freshness and crunch.

• 12 oz cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen, this is the star pasta that holds all the creamy goodness inside.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tender bites.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken and adding richness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor that elevates the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky base of the sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce to add sharp, nutty flavor.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Steamed or cooked to add a fresh pop of green and healthy crunch.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the chicken a fragrant, Mediterranean touch.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.

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, because a well-seasoned cooking water is the foundation for perfectly flavored pasta. Add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—fresh tortellini needs about 3 to 5 minutes, while frozen will take 8 to 10 minutes. Once tender, drain and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to get a nice, hot surface ready. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the chicken with herby goodness. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—this ensures it stays juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until it becomes fragrant but not browned, which keeps its mellow sweetness intact. Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let this gentle simmer work its magic for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously so it melts and transforms the sauce into the creamy, cheesy dream it’s meant to be.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the steamed broccoli florets—these little green gems add freshness and a vibrant pop of color. Stir in the cooked tortellini and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. If the sauce needs loosening, add in a splash of extra broth or reserved pasta water to get its perfect creamy consistency. Taste now and adjust seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed, making sure every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your creamy masterpiece to serving plates and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for that beautiful finishing touch. Serve hot and get ready to dive into a luscious, comforting bowl of homemade goodness that’s as easy as it is irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley adds a pop of bright color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan for a sharper cheese kick or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle heat boost.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and filling, so pairing it with a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread can balance the meal perfectly, offering a contrast in texture and freshness to the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper on top. You can also arrange the broccoli florets as little green crowns around the plate edges to make it look extra inviting and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini might absorb some sauce, so keep extra broth or cream handy to refresh the dish when reheating.

Freezing

While this Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing and use freezer-safe containers to maintain quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini makes this dish wonderfully creamy and cheesy, you can swap in other filled pastas like ravioli or even use penne or farfalle for a different texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep it dairy-free. The flavor will shift slightly but still remain indulgent and tasty.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast, and opt for plant-based cream. Steamed broccoli stays perfect for this option and keeps your meal vibrant.

How do I keep the broccoli crisp and bright green?

Steaming broccoli just until tender-crisp helps maintain its vibrant color and texture. Avoid overcooking; immediately plunging steamed broccoli into cold water can also help preserve its bright green hue.

What is the best way to avoid overcooking the chicken?

Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Sear over medium heat and watch closely; remove from heat as soon as the chicken turns golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy, tender results.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that ticks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to return to again and again, whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress friends without stress. Don’t wait to give it a try and experience how a few humble ingredients can come together to create pure deliciousness.

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