Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli: A Delicious and Easy One-Pot Dinner 🍝🥦✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare, look no further than this creamy chicken tortellini recipe. Combining tender chicken, luscious sauce, and fresh broccoli, this chicken pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. The best part? It comes together in just one pot, saving you time and minimizing clean-up!
2. Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
- 1 pound tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
3. How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Gather all ingredients and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
In a large non-stick skillet or pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the tortellini and broccoli
Add the tortellini to the simmering sauce, followed by the broccoli florets. Stir well and cook until the tortellini is tender and the broccoli is bright green, about 3-4 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix everything together.
Step 5: Final touch and serving
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. For an extra burst of flavor, pair this dish with a crusty French onion soup pizza.
4. Storage and Leftover Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
5. Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Tortellini
This hearty chicken pasta dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a slice of garlic bread. For a more wholesome meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a light dessert like fruit salad.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just add a couple of extra minutes to cook until tender.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Certainly. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free cheese for topping.
How long does it take to prepare this creamy chicken tortellini?
Preparation and cooking take approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal one-pot dinner for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Non-stick skillet or large pot: Perfect for even cooking and easy cleanup, ensuring your creamy chicken tortellini stays delicious without sticking.
- Veggie prep master: Makes chopping broccoli and garlic quick and effortless—saving you time in the kitchen.
- Air fryer Pro: For delicious, crispy-side vegetables or reheating leftovers with even crispiness.
- Stand mixer: For mixing sauces or preparing extras like homemade garlic bread to serve with your pasta.
8. Tips for Success and Variations
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works just as well if cooked briefly.
- Feel free to swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or sausage for different protein options.
- If you like a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté.
- Upgrade this dish with sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil for extra flavor complexity.
9. Conclusion
With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken and tortellini, this one-pot dinner is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare, hearty, and satisfying, it’s an ideal meal for busy evenings when you want something delicious without hours of cooking. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful, comforting dish that everyone will love!
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Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli Easy One-Pot Dinner
A rich and creamy chicken tortellini dish with fresh broccoli, all cooked in one pot for effortless cleanup, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups (150g) broccoli florets
- 1 pound (450g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions, adding broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then add cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese. Stir until sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the pot. Toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini based on availability; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (around 400g)
- Calories: 600 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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