Irresistible Creamy Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli

There’s something magical about a dish that combines creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli. Just imagine the flavors mingling together like they’re at a party where everyone is getting along splendidly. The rich, velvety sauce hugs each piece of pasta, while tender chunks of chicken and vibrant green broccoli create a harmony that sings in your mouth. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening or the perfect solution for when you’re stuck in the “what’s for dinner?” rut. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a quick weeknight meal, creamy tortellini with chicken and broccoli will have people raving and asking for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I served this creamy delight to my family; their eyes lit up like fireworks on the Fourth of July. My husband even said it was “life-changing,” which made me feel like a culinary superhero for an evening.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your appetite.
• Tortellini: Fresh or frozen works beautifully; just make sure they’re filled with creamy goodness!
• Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets; they add crunch and color to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: This is key for that dreamy sauce; don’t skimp on quality here.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference—who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for that aromatic kick that elevates everything.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle adds flavor and helps sauté those veggies perfectly.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Start by preparing your ingredients so everything is ready to go because no one wants to be chopping garlic after the water is boiling.

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 3-5 minutes should do it.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it shimmer. Toss in bite-sized pieces of chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic & Broccoli: When your chicken is cooked through, add minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and broccoli turns bright green—approximately 3-4 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently, letting it bubble slightly as you scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add grated Parmesan cheese until melted into a silky sauce—about 2-3 minutes.

Combine & Serve!: Gently fold in cooked tortellini into the creamy mixture until well-coated. Let it simmer briefly before serving hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired!

This dish may seem indulgent, but trust me; every bite is worth it! The combination of flavors creates an experience that will leave you craving more.

Enjoy every moment spent cooking this delightful meal as much as your family will enjoy savoring its deliciousness!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken first, allowing it to develop a golden crust before adding the broccoli and tortellini. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly while preserving delicious flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, or add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. A splash of lemon juice can brighten up the dish beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain that creamy texture without burning.

Sometimes I whip this up after a long day, and my family’s smiles remind me why I cook. Every bite brings warmth, laughter, and a little chaos as they race for seconds.

FAQ

Can I make Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.

What type of tortellini works best for this recipe?

Fresh tortellini provides a delightful texture; however, frozen works too.

How can I make the dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich tortellini in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this quick-to-prepare recipe promises to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels indulgent yet remains easy to make. Get ready to enjoy a delicious balance of creamy richness and fresh vegetables!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 9 ounces fresh or frozen tortellini
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente (about 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and broccoli florets; sauté until fragrant and broccoli is bright green (approximately 3-4 minutes).
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently while scraping any bits from the skillet. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted into a silky sauce (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Gently fold in cooked tortellini until well-coated in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 115mg