Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini; 3 cups fresh broccoli, roughly chopped; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups cooked chicken, diced; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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If you’re on the hunt for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dinner recipe, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Recipe.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Recipe

Packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and cheese-filled tortellini all smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Best of all? It only takes 20 minutes to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families.

Let’s dive into how to make this cheesy masterpiece that’s bound to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Family-Friendly: With cheesy tortellini, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, even picky eaters will devour this meal.
One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes! This recipe comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable: Swap out the broccoli for your favorite veggies or use leftover rotisserie chi cken to save time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini, gather the following simple ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini
3 cups fresh broccoli, roughly chopped
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.

2. Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. The combination of these liquids will create the base for your creamy sauce.

3. Cook the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini to the boiling liquid and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add Broccoli

Toss in the chopped broccoli and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the broccoli is bright green.

5. Make It Cheesy

Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese and grated Parmesan until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. This step creates that luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.

6. Add Chicken

Stir in the diced cooked chicken and mix well until everything is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce.

7. Season and Serve

Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh broccoli if possible, as it adds a vibrant color and texture to the dish. However, frozen broccoli works in a pinch—just thaw it before adding it to the pot.
Check Tortellini Packaging: If you’re using frozen tortellini, note that it may require an additional minute or two of cooking time. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.
Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.

FAQs

Can I Use a Different Type of Tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds extra creaminess to this dish, you can use spinach-filled or meat-filled tortellini if you prefer.

What Can I Substitute for Broccoli?

If broccoli isn’t your favorite vegetable, feel free to substitute it with spinach, peas, or even asparagus. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your veggies stay crisp-tender.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

This dish is best served fresh, as the creamy sauce thickens as it cools. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Is There a Lighter Version of This Recipe?

To lighten up this dish, use low-fat cream cheese and skim milk instead of whole milk. You can also cut back on the Parmesan cheese or use less tortellini and more veggies for a healthier balance.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s what you can expect from one serving of this delicious dish:

Calories: 259
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 63mg
Sodium: 419mg
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 20g

Recommended Tools

To make this recipe even easier, consider using these kitchen tools:

Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven: Perfect for evenly cooking one-pot meals like this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a comforting, satisfying meal. With its creamy sauce, tender tortellini, and hearty chicken, it’s a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Plus, with minimal prep and cleanup required, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your evening.

So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation!