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Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli is a comforting, rich dish combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli in a luscious creamy sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this meal balances delicious flavors with healthy ingredients to create a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 large fresh chicken breasts, diced

Pasta

  • 20 oz cheese tortellini (store-bought or homemade)

Vegetables

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter or 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop broccoli into small florets. Mince garlic and dice onion to have all ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli: Add more butter or oil if needed, then sauté garlic and onion in the same pan until fragrant and translucent. Add broccoli florets and sauté until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Combine and Warm Through: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to combine and evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. Heat everything together for 2-3 minutes more. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a fresh burst of flavor and color at the end.
  • Do not overcook broccoli to maintain a pleasant crunch and texture contrast.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for best melting and flavor impact.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Cook chicken and vegetables separately to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Tortellini, Broccoli, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Cheesy Pasta, One Pan Meal