Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cooked, shredded tender chicken
- 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Start by cooking or shredding prepared chicken. For juicy, flavorful chicken, check out this melt-in-your-mouth chicken recipe. Once done, set aside.
- Sauté or steam the broccoli until tender. Fresh broccoli adds a lovely crunch, but you can also use pre-steamed for convenience.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes less for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for added heat.
- Add the shredded chicken and broccoli to the sauce, then stir in the cooked tortellini. Mix well to coat everything evenly in the cheesy, creamy sauce. Allow to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Notes
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave until steaming hot or warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture of the cheese and pasta.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan or chopped herbs before serving. Customize spice level with red pepper flakes or other seasonings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free, Vegetarian option without chicken
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg