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- 8 oz cheese tortellini - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make sure you get it right, measure each ingredient carefully. For the cheese tortellini, you can use fresh or frozen. If you need a chicken substitute, try rotisserie chicken or even tofu. For the broccoli, fresh or frozen is fine. The heavy cream can be swapped with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Use any cheese you love, like cheddar, if you prefer a different flavor. You will need a large pot to boil the tortellini. A big skillet works well for making the sauce. A wooden spoon helps mix the ingredients nicely. Don't forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. A colander is also handy for draining the tortellini after cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boiling and Draining Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps to enhance the flavor of the tortellini. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of cheese tortellini. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. When they are done, drain the tortellini in a colander and set them aside while you prepare the sauce. - Sautéing Garlic and Adding Cream In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Then, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it gives off a nice aroma. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the cream thicken a bit, making your sauce rich and creamy. - Incorporating Cheese Reduce the heat to low. Now, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and create a smooth sauce. This step is key to achieving that deliciously cheesy flavor you want in your dish. - Adding Chicken and Broccoli Once the cheese has melted, it’s time to add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken and 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix everything together well. Make sure all the ingredients are coated in that lovely cheese sauce. - Folding in Tortellini and Heating Now, gently fold in the cooked tortellini. Make sure they are well-coated in the cheesy sauce. Cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures everything is hot and ready to serve. Once done, remove the skillet from heat, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving! To make a smooth cheese sauce, heat your cream slowly. Stir it gently as it warms. This helps the cheese mix well. Do not rush this step! When adding cheese, keep stirring until it melts. If you see lumps, it might be too hot. Lower the heat to fix it. To prevent curdling in cream-based sauces, use fresh ingredients. Old cream can spoil your sauce. Always add cheese slowly. This keeps it creamy. If your sauce curdles, add a splash of warm milk. Stir it gently to bring it back together. If you use fresh tortellini, cook it for 2-3 minutes less than frozen ones. Fresh pasta cooks faster. For stuffed tortellini, check the package for exact times. Generally, boiling for 3-5 minutes should work well. For the broccoli, steaming is best. It only takes 3-4 minutes to steam until tender. If you prefer, you can also use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the dish while it heats. For presentation, serve the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini in a shallow bowl. This shows off the creamy sauce. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. Pair this dish with a light salad. A simple mixed greens salad works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to your meal. Pro Tips Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Make sure to cook the tortellini just until al dente for the best texture. This will help them hold up better when mixed with the sauce. Fresh Garlic for Flavor: Using freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the dish. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best results. Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value and flavor of your dish. Leftover Chicken Works: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a quick and convenient meal option. {{image_2}} Using Different Proteins You can swap out chicken for turkey or even shrimp. Both options work well. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using cooked mushrooms or tofu instead. These swaps add new flavors and textures. Vegetable Alternatives Broccoli is great, but you can use other veggies too. Spinach, peas, or bell peppers can add color and taste. Just make sure to steam or sauté them to keep them tender. Gluten-Free Tortellini Options If you need a gluten-free meal, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer tasty choices made from rice or corn. Cooking times may vary, so check the package. Dairy-Free Cheese Suggestions For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese. Look for brands that melt well, like cashew or almond-based cheese. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. Adding Spices or Herbs Spice up your dish with herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Experiment with your favorite spices to make it your own. Extra Ingredients for Flavor Boost Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a burst of flavor. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pine nuts, can give a nice crunch. These extras make the dish even more delicious. - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Store leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. - Containers for Storage: Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. This helps keep the dish fresh. Avoid using metal containers, as they may react with the food. - How to Freeze the Dish: To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. - Reheating Tips for Frozen Portions: Thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce. - How Long It Lasts in the Fridge: The dish stays good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Always check for freshness before eating. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for changes in color, smell, or texture. If it smells sour or has mold, throw it away. Always prioritize safety when it comes to food. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. It makes cooking even easier. To cook frozen tortellini, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the frozen tortellini and cook for 3-5 minutes longer than the package suggests. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Once they float, they are done. Drain them well and set aside before adding to the sauce. To keep the sauce smooth and creamy, add more cream. If it gets too thick, stir in a little milk or broth. You can also add a splash of pasta water while mixing everything together. This will help lighten the sauce. Always taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A fresh garden salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for more color and flavor. A light vinaigrette can brighten the meal. Enjoy your delightful dish! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini dish. We explored the main ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. You learned about making a smooth cheese sauce and how to modify the recipe for your needs. The variations and storage info gave you great options for leftovers, too. Now you can create this meal with ease. Enjoy cooking, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Your own twist will make this dish even better.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with chicken and broccoli.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then add in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the skillet, mixing everything together until well combined.
  • Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring they are coated in the cheesy sauce.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve in a shallow bowl with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Keyword broccoli, cheese, chicken, pasta