Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini Delight Recipe: Family Favorite

Imagine a creamy chicken & broccoli tortellini delight that whisks you away on a culinary adventure.

Rich, velvety sauces embrace tender pasta pillows with incredible depth.

Succulent chicken pieces intertwine with verdant broccoli florets, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Comfort meets sophistication in this irresistible dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients dance together, delivering a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Each forkful promises a delightful experience that balances protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness.

You can want to savor every single bite of this delectable creation.

Explore a recipe that elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining moment.

Suggested Pairings for This Pasta

• Discover Crisp White Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio's light, zesty flavors perfectly complement the creamy chicken tortellini, cutting through the richness with refreshing acidity.
• Explore Rustic Bread Companion: Warm garlic focaccia or crusty Italian bread becomes an ideal side, helping soak up the delectable sauce and adding delightful textural contrast to the tender tortellini.
• Create Fresh Salad Balance: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright, peppery counterpoint to the creamy dish, adding freshness and lightening the overall meal experience.
• Match Chilled Herb Beverage: Sparkling water with fresh basil or mint sprigs offers a clean, palate-cleansing option that enhances the herb notes in the dish without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Switch-Ups That Add Flair

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty Mexican-inspired version of the dish.
• Mediterranean Garden Style: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Green Protein Boost: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubed tofu, increase broccoli quantity, and use vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Creamy Mushroom Hunter's Edition: Introduce sautéed wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini, add a splash of white wine, and mix in thyme for an earthy, rich variation that enhances the original recipe's complexity.

All About Creamy Chicken Tortellini

• Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time to 8-10 minutes for frozen tortellini and follow the package instructions.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream, add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and opt for whole wheat tortellini to boost nutrition.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can create a quick mix using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary to get a similar flavor profile.

• Can I store leftovers and reheat this dish?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Anyone Can Make

• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home chefs wanting to impress without stress.
• Enjoy the luxurious contrast between soft, cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and silky smooth cream sauce that creates a delightful symphony of textures.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this efficient cooking method that uses the same pan for multiple steps, reducing dishes and saving precious time during busy weeknight dinners.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal preferences and family taste buds.

What Goes Into This Cozy Pasta Dish

• Cheese Tortellini: Soft, stuffed pasta that provides a rich, cheesy core to the dish. Fresh or frozen work well, choose based on convenience and taste preference.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor. Look for tender, boneless pieces for easy cooking.

• Broccoli, Garlic: Broccoli adds nutrition and color, while garlic provides a depth of aromatic flavor. Choose fresh broccoli with bright green florets and firm garlic cloves.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce base. Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt levels.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth to the sauce. Freshly grated gives the best flavor and melting quality.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile. Use freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing chicken and creating a non-stick surface.

How to Cook Tortellini with Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Tortellini

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to boost flavor. Bring water to a rolling boil. Gently drop in cheese tortellini, stirring occasionally. Cook until tender – about 3-5 minutes for fresh pasta or 8-10 minutes for frozen. Drain in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Juicy Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Sizzle until golden brown and completely cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, toss minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir and allow mixture to simmer, thickening for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 5: Merge Delicious Components

Reunite cooked chicken and steamed broccoli in the skillet. Add tortellini and gently toss, ensuring everything gets coated in creamy goodness. If sauce seems thick, splash in extra broth or pasta water. Season to taste.

Step 6: Plate with Panache

Transfer tortellini mixture to serving dishes. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot and enjoy your dish.

Tips for Creamy Perfection Every Time

• Master Tortellini Timing: Cook tortellini just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain perfect chewy consistency.
• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure golden-brown exterior and lock in delicious moisture.
• Layer Flavor Gradually: Build depth by sautéing garlic first, then creating sauce in the same pan to capture all those delicious browned bits.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly and add liquid incrementally to achieve desired creaminess without becoming too thin or thick.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs at each cooking stage to create a harmonious, well-rounded dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Smoothly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might slightly separate, but don't worry – a quick stir will bring it back to life.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
• Freeze Smartly: For longer storage, freeze the tortellini dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken and broccoli dance together in this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini Delight, promising comfort in every forkful. Rich parmesan cream sauce and tender tortellini blend seamlessly, inviting hearty enjoyment at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 ounces (340 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or cooked)

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently immerse the cheese tortellini, cooking until they float and become tender, approximately 3-10 minutes depending on whether they are fresh or frozen.
2. Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce chicken pieces, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sear until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, roughly 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté until aromatic and lightly golden.
4. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Allow the mixture to simmer, whisking occasionally until it thickens slightly. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add steamed broccoli florets and the prepared tortellini. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring each component is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding extra broth or reserved pasta water if needed.
6. For a final touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while the tortellini and sauce remain piping hot, delivering maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Perfectly time your tortellini cooking to prevent overcooking by testing doneness and watching for floating indicators.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking, ensuring golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
• Create a silky sauce by gradually adding Parmesan cheese and stirring continuously to prevent clumping or separation.
• Steam broccoli separately to maintain vibrant green color and prevent soggy texture in the final dish.
• Select high-quality tortellini with rich cheese filling to enhance overall flavor complexity.
• Keep extra chicken broth nearby to adjust sauce consistency and prevent the dish from becoming too thick or dry.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg