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Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

5 from 5 reviews

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a comforting and simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender cheese tortellini is combined with juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful meal delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and indulgent creaminess that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Protein

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

Vegetables

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

Liquids and Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions—about 3-5 minutes for fresh or 8-10 minutes for frozen tortellini. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, which will flavor the sauce.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook just until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the steamed broccoli florets. Add the cooked tortellini as well. Gently toss all ingredients together to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with a little extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve: Transfer the creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen tortellini depending on availability; cooking times vary slightly.
  • Steam broccoli ahead of time or use pre-steamed frozen broccoli to save time.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tortellini recipe, chicken and broccoli pasta, easy Italian dinner, cheesy tortellini, quick chicken pasta, creamy chicken and broccoli