Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting yet impressive, this Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy seasoned chicken, and vibrant green broccoli all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that’s effortless to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite, making it an instant favorite in my kitchen and, I’m sure, soon in yours too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on this recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays an important role, from the creamy sauce’s velvety texture to the bright pop of broccoli that balances the richness. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 12 oz cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen works great—choose your favorite for that cheesy pocket of goodness.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a lovely base flavor and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant depth to the sauce without overpowering the creaminess.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, giving it richness and silkiness.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the dense cream and adds subtle savory notes.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce, creating that irresistible cheesy flavor.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Steamed or cooked to tender crisp, bringing color and a fresh bite.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A wonderful herby blend that complements the chicken and sauce beautifully.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding a burst of freshness and a lovely visual touch.

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. This step is crucial because salting the water enhances the pasta’s flavor right from the start. Add your tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—fresh tortellini takes about 3 to 5 minutes, while frozen might need 8 to 10 minutes. Once tender, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all that creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden and are cooked through. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking to layer in flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside so we can build the sauce in the same pan.

Step 3: Build the Base with Garlic

In the skillet still warm with those fantastic chicken drippings, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute to let those wonderful aromas bloom, but be careful not to brown it—just until fragrant. This subtle step really lifts the sauce and ties all the flavors together.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Now is the magic moment—stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, transforming the sauce into a rich, velvety coating perfect for the tortellini and chicken.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with steamed broccoli florets. Add the drained tortellini and gently toss everything to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of extra chicken broth or some reserved pasta water will loosen it up beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed—this final seasoning touch makes all the difference.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Now, transfer your creamy, cheesy masterpiece to serving dishes and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, vibrant finish. Serve it hot and get ready to savor every rich, comforting spoonful!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish that adds both color and a mild herbaceous pop. For an extra touch, consider a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick, or a few shavings of Parmesan to up the cheese factor even more.

Side Dishes

This dish holds its own wonderfully, but if you want to round out the meal, something light like a crisp green salad or garlic bread works beautifully. The greens complement the richness while the bread is perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress at a dinner party, serve your Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in individual ramekins or shallow bowls with a final flourish of microgreens or edible flowers. You could also stuff it inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic, cozy presentation that immediately brings warmth to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so don’t be alarmed if it looks a bit dense at first.

Freezing

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in single-serving portions. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for the best quality. Keep in mind the broccoli may become a bit softer after thawing.

Reheating

For the creamiest texture when reheating, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just cover the container and stir midway to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly and simply requires a few extra minutes to cook compared to fresh. Just be sure not to overcook to keep its texture tender yet firm.

Is it possible to substitute chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can swap out chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for a twist. Cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked and flavorful.

What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?

For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. Keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or extra broccoli to boost texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce base.

How do I keep the broccoli bright green and crisp?

Steam the broccoli just until tender-crisp, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking and maintain that vibrant color. Add it to the sauce right before serving to warm through without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with indulgent flavors. It’s one of those dishes that can turn an ordinary day into something special, filled with creamy comfort and bright pops of freshness. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and watch it become a beloved staple in your home, just like it is in mine!

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