CREAMY TORTELLINI WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI EASY

Imagine twirling your fork around plump, cheese-filled tortellini, coated in a luscious cream sauce, studded with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli florets. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the first bite? Pure comfort food bliss! I promise, this Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli will become a weeknight staple – it’s *that* good and easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Tortellini:

• 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Let’s Gather Our Tools

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have everything we need within easy reach. Having your tools and ingredients prepped and ready will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what I recommend:

• Large pot (for cooking the tortellini)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for draining the tortellini)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, my friend, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh, 5-7 minutes for frozen).
3. Drain the tortellini and set aside. Don’t overcook the tortellini or they will become mushy!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the broccoli florets, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
5. Remove the chicken and broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly (this is called a roux, and it helps thicken the sauce).
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it starts to thicken (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked tortellini, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the cream sauce.
2. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
2. Get ready for happy faces around the table!

Tips for the Best Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Here are my top tips:

• Don’t overcook the tortellini: Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and lose their shape. Cook them al dente, according to package directions.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and garlic will give the dish the best flavor.
• Adjust the sauce thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
• Get creative with the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce. Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a little bit of goat cheese would be delicious!

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to get you started:

• Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be great additions.
• Change the protein: Use sausage, shrimp, or even tofu instead of chicken.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
• Make it cheesy: Add a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan to make the perfect Marry Me Tortellini Recipe.
• Use Garlic Tortellini: For an extra layer of flavor, try using garlic tortellini instead of cheese tortellini. The garlic flavor will complement the chicken and broccoli perfectly.

What to Serve with Creamy Tortellini

This Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side dish. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Garlic bread
• Side salad
• Roasted vegetables

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also make a delicious Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup with the leftovers.

Other Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup
• Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Soup
• Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Chicken Tortellini Heaven

Chicken Tortellini: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Chicken tortellini recipes are always a hit, especially when they involve a creamy, flavorful sauce. This version with broccoli is a fantastic way to get some extra veggies into your meal. When you’re thinking about chicken tortellini, remember that the quality of your ingredients matters. Using good quality cheese tortellini and fresh chicken will make a world of difference. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce – a little bit of Parmesan goes a long way!

Cheese Tortellini Recipes: So Many Possibilities!

Cheese tortellini is such a versatile ingredient! There are countless cheese tortellini recipes out there, from simple tomato sauce dishes to elaborate baked casseroles. This Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli recipe is just one example of how you can transform a simple package of cheese tortellini into a delicious and satisfying meal. The key is to find a sauce that complements the cheese filling. A creamy Alfredo-style sauce, a pesto sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce would all be great choices.

Garlic Tortellini: A Flavorful Twist

If you’re a garlic lover, you’ll definitely want to try using garlic tortellini in this recipe. The garlic flavor will add a delicious depth to the dish and complement the chicken and broccoli perfectly. You can find garlic tortellini at most grocery stores, or you can even make your own! Just be sure to adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce accordingly, so it doesn’t become overpowering. A little bit of garlic goes a long way!

Tortellini Recipes: Endless Inspiration

Tortellini recipes are a lifesaver when you’re short on time and need a quick and easy meal. Tortellini cooks quickly, it’s filling, and it pairs well with a variety of sauces and ingredients. Whether you’re craving a simple pasta dish or something a little more elaborate, there’s a tortellini recipe out there for you. And with so many different types of tortellini available – cheese, meat, spinach, garlic – the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy Your Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli!

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing recipe for Creamy Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli. I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process!