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To create a delicious Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a rich and creamy dish. The cheese tortellini adds a soft texture, while the broccoli provides a fresh crunch. Using cooked chicken speeds up prep time and keeps it simple. Heavy cream and chicken broth form the base of the creamy sauce, giving it a rich flavor. Garlic and onion powder enhance the taste without overpowering the dish. Salt and pepper are crucial for balancing the flavors. Finally, the grated Parmesan cheese melts in beautifully, adding depth to the sauce. Garnishing with fresh basil leaves adds color and a hint of freshness. With these ingredients, you're ready to make a comforting meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. When the water is ready, add the fresh broccoli florets. Cook them for about three minutes. They should turn bright green and feel tender-crisp. Use a slotted spoon to take the broccoli out. Set it aside on a plate for later. In the same pot, add the cheese tortellini. Follow the package instructions closely, which usually suggest cooking for three to five minutes. Once they are done, drain the tortellini. Place them next to the broccoli on the plate. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add one cup of heavy cream and one cup of chicken broth. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. To enhance the flavor, add one teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Stir the sauce well and let it cook for two to three minutes. This helps the flavors meld together nicely. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli into the skillet. Gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure every piece is coated with the creamy sauce. To finish, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the sauce creamy and smooth. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now you’re ready to serve! To get the right creamy sauce, focus on the thickness. Start with equal parts heavy cream and chicken broth. This mix gives a wonderful base. Stir slowly and let it simmer to thicken. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer. To keep your sauce smooth, avoid high heat. High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Instead, use medium heat and stir often. If you notice curdling, reduce the heat immediately. You can also whisk in a little more broth to save it. If you want a change from chicken, try turkey or cooked shrimp. Both add a nice twist. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu. These alternatives are tasty and healthy. You might want to switch up the pasta too. While tortellini is great, other pastas work well too. Try penne or farfalle for a different texture. Just make sure to cook them according to the package. This dish pairs nicely with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the creaminess. You can also serve it with crusty bread. The bread helps soak up the sauce. For presentation, use a large bowl and spoon the dish in carefully. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. You could add extra Parmesan on top for a rich look. Pro Tips Fresh vs. Frozen Tortellini: Using fresh tortellini will give you a more delicate texture and flavor, but frozen is convenient and works well if you're short on time. Broccoli Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli; blanching it for just 3 minutes ensures it stays vibrant and crunchy in your dish. Customize the Sauce: You can add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor that complements the creaminess. Perfect Parmesan: For the best melting quality, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as pre-grated versions often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. {{image_2}} You can make your creamy chicken tortellini even better by adding more veggies. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or peas. These add color and nutrients. When adding veggies, adjust the cooking time. For example, add spinach at the same time as the chicken. For bell peppers or peas, add them during the last minute of cooking. This keeps them crisp and bright. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for a plant-based protein. You can use tofu, chickpeas, or lentils. Tofu works well when cubed and sautéed. Chickpeas can add a nice texture. Lentils will give a hearty feel to the meal. You can keep the rest of the recipe the same. This way, you still enjoy the creamy sauce and tortellini. If you like heat, make a spicy version of this dish! Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also use spicy chicken broth instead of regular broth. This adds flavor and heat. Adjust the cooking method by simmering the sauce a bit longer. This helps the spices blend well. Enjoy your spicy twist on this classic dish! To keep your creamy chicken tortellini fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place it in airtight containers. This helps keep the flavors intact. Use glass or plastic containers, as they are great for storage. When you reheat, use a skillet. This method helps keep the creaminess. Heat it on low and stir often. You can also add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. This keeps your dish smooth and tasty. If you want to freeze it, let the dish cool completely first. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet, adding a little broth to restore creaminess. Enjoy your meal later! Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 3-5 minutes in boiling water. Make sure to add the frozen tortellini to boiling, salted water to keep it firm. Stir gently to prevent sticking. After cooking, drain and set it aside with the broccoli. This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. If it smells sour or looks strange, it's best to throw it away. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the tortellini and broccoli, then store them separately. Make the creamy sauce and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, combine everything in a skillet and heat until warm. This saves time on busy nights. Absolutely! Kids love cheesy pasta dishes. To make it even more appealing, cut the broccoli into smaller pieces. You can also let them help mix the ingredients. The creamy sauce and cheese make it tasty and fun. Add extra cheese on top for a special touch! This dish combines easy steps and delicious ingredients to make a creamy chicken tortellini. You can cook the broccoli and tortellini quickly, then create a rich sauce with simple spices. Don’t hesitate to try variations, like adding more veggies or making it spicy. Remember, leftovers store well, and you can reheat them so they taste great. Enjoy this tasty meal with your family, and make it your own!

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli

A delicious creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, tortellini, and broccoli.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli and set aside.
  • In the same pot of boiling water, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside along with the broccoli.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the creamy sauce. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld.
  • Add the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, coating the tortellini and broccoli with the creamy sauce.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, creamy, pasta, tortellini