20-Minute Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini 🍗🥦🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and quick dinner, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy tortellini in a rich, creamy sauce, this 20-Minute Skillet Dinner will delight your taste buds and save you time in the kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, you’ll love how easy and satisfying this Easy Tortellini Recipe is to prepare. It’s the ideal combination of comfort food and fresh ingredients, all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup. Get ready to impress your family with this creamy, cheesy, and wholesome meal!
2. Ingredients Needed for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini
- 1 pound fresh or frozen tortellini (preferably cheese or spinach-filled)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic. Set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
Sautéing the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Broccoli and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
Cooking the Tortellini
While the broccoli is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combining Everything in the Skillet
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in the heavy cream, and stir well. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, mixing gently to coat everything evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serving the Creamy Tortellini
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. This creamy chicken broccoli tortellini is perfect over a bed of spinach or a side of crusty bread.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a 30-second interval, stirring in between, or heat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain its creamy texture.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Tortellini
Pair this dish with a simple mixed green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For added flavor, consider topping with additional Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes, feel free to incorporate spinach, peas, or bell peppers to diversify the dish’s flavor and texture.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This 20-Minute Skillet Dinner is designed to be quick, with most of the prep and cooking completing within approximately 20 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The creamy and cheesy elements make it a kid-friendly option. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Non-stick skillet: A quality skillet ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements make cooking a breeze.
- Strainer or colander: Perfect for draining the tortellini efficiently.
- Silicone spatula: Helps stir and serve the creamy sauce without sticking.
These tools will make preparing this Easy Tortellini Recipe even smoother and more enjoyable.
8. Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini is a perfect example of how quick, wholesome, and delicious a 20-Minute Skillet Dinner can be. Its combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini in a rich sauce makes it a family favorite or a quick date-night meal. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that comes together in no time!
9. Conclusion
In summary, this easy tortellini recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and fast dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in just minutes. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and cheeses to personalize this dish to your taste. Happy cooking!
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20-Minute Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Skillet
Discover the quick and delicious 20-Minute Creamy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Skillet, a hearty and flavorful dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy tortellini are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce for a satisfying meal that comes together in only 20 minutes. This easy skillet dinner is ideal for family meals, featuring wholesome ingredients and minimal cleanup, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen tortellini (preferably cheese or spinach-filled)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic. Set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
- While the broccoli is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in the heavy cream, and stir well. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, mixing gently to coat everything evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. This creamy chicken broccoli tortellini is perfect over a bed of spinach or a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Feel free to swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or bell peppers for variety.
- Adjust seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste for milder or spicier flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg