Juicy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

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Growing up, pasta night at our house meant one thing: spaghetti and meatballs. Sure, it was good, but I had no idea what I was missing until my college roommate introduced me to tortellini. The first time I tried those little stuffed pasta rings, I was hooked.

These days, I love coming up with new ways to dress up tortellini for dinner. This chicken broccoli version has become a regular at our house – it’s quick enough for busy weeknights but still feels like a real, home-cooked meal. Even my kids, who usually pick around anything green on their plates, clean their bowls when this is on the menu.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

For this creamy pasta dish, you’ll want to start with cheese tortellini, which you can find in either the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store. Fresh refrigerated tortellini tends to cook up a bit more tender than frozen, but both options will work great in this recipe. While cheese-filled tortellini is the classic choice here, you could also experiment with other varieties like spinach and cheese or even mushroom-filled tortellini if you want to switch things up. Just make sure to check the cooking time on the package, as it can vary between brands and types – fresh tortellini usually cooks in 3-4 minutes while frozen may take 6-7 minutes to reach that perfect al dente texture.

Options for Substitutions

This creamy pasta dish is pretty adaptable – here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Cheese tortellini: While cheese tortellini gives this dish its character, you can use other stuffed pasta like ravioli or regular pasta shapes like penne or bow ties. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
• Cream cheese: To make it lighter, try using Neufchâtel cheese or light cream cheese. For a different twist, mascarpone works great too. If you’re out of cream cheese, mix 1 cup of heavy cream with ¼ cup of butter as a substitute.
• Broccoli: Not a broccoli fan? Swap it with cauliflower, asparagus, or frozen pea and carrot mix. Just make sure to adjust cooking time – softer veggies need less time to cook.
• Chicken: Any pre-cooked protein works here – try rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even ham. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms or white beans instead.
• Milk: Feel free to use any milk you have on hand – whole, 2%, or even half-and-half for extra richness. Non-dairy folks can use unsweetened almond or oat milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as creamy.
• Parmesan cheese: Romano or Pecorino make good substitutes. If you’re out of hard Italian cheese, try shredded mozzarella or Gruyere instead.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making chicken broccoli tortellini is overcooking the pasta – fresh tortellini only needs 3-4 minutes to cook, and going beyond that can turn your dish into a mushy disappointment. Another common mistake is adding the broccoli too early; it’s best to toss it in during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to maintain its crisp-tender texture and bright green color. The cream cheese can be tricky too – cutting it into small cubes and letting it come to room temperature before adding will help it melt smoothly into the sauce, preventing those unwanted lumps that can make your dish less appealing. For the best results, keep the heat at medium-low when incorporating the cheeses, as high heat can cause the sauce to separate and become grainy.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Tortellini?

Since this pasta dish is already packed with protein and veggies, you’ll want to keep the sides simple and complementary. A fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette makes the perfect partner – nothing too heavy since the tortellini is pretty filling on its own. Some warm, crusty garlic bread or breadsticks are always welcome at the table, perfect for soaking up any extra cream sauce. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, try adding some roasted vegetables like carrots or bell peppers on the side to bring different colors and flavors to the plate.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This creamy tortellini dish stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. The pasta might absorb some of the sauce as it sits, but it’s still super tasty! I like to make this on Sunday and portion it out for easy lunches during the week.

Freeze: While you can freeze this dish, the cream-based sauce might separate a bit when thawed. If you want to freeze it anyway, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just know the texture of the tortellini might be a bit different after freezing.

Reheat: To warm it up, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and heat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This helps bring the sauce back together and keeps the tortellini from drying out. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s heated through.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	20-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1600-1800
• Protein: 110-120 g
• Fat: 90-100 g
• Carbohydrates: 130-140 g

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (20-ounce) bag of cheese tortellini
• 3 cups roughly chopped fresh broccoli
• 1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Begin by heating some olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot.

Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 2: Boil the Broth and Milk

Add chicken broth and milk to the pot with the garlic.

Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring that it’s thoroughly heated through.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli

Once the broth and milk mixture is boiling, add the tortellini and cook for 2 minutes.

Then add the broccoli and continue cooking for about 3 more minutes, stirring as needed.

The tortellini should be cooked, and the broccoli should turn a bright green color.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to prevent scorching and stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until both are fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.

This will add rich flavor and texture to your dish.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Season

Gently stir in the cooked chicken pieces, allowing them to warm in the sauce.

Season the dish to taste with salt and pepper, adjusting as needed to fit your preference.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the tortellini dish into serving bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese on top for additional flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!