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Cooking Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini is simple and fun. Here’s what you need to gather: - 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish creamy and cheesy. The cheese tortellini brings a soft texture, while the chicken adds protein. Broccoli gives a nice crunch and bright color. The heavy cream and cheeses create that rich sauce we all love. Olive oil and garlic enhance the flavor, while parsley adds a fresh touch at the end. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready to create a delightful meal that impresses everyone! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, add 2 cups of cheese tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still firm, or al dente. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set them aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Cook these for about 1 minute. You will smell the garlic and onion as they sizzle. Now, add 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of blanched broccoli florets. Stir these together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until warmed through. Now it’s time to make the cheese sauce. Lower the heat on your skillet. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix this continuously until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. You want a smooth texture that coats the back of a spoon. Finally, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently toss the tortellini to coat them well in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is crucial, as it ties all the flavors together in each bite. To avoid curdling in your cheese sauce, keep the heat low. High heat can cause the cream to separate. Stir constantly as you add the cheese. This helps it melt evenly. For a creamy consistency, use heavy cream. It gives a rich flavor and smooth texture. Blanching broccoli is key. It keeps the bright green color and crisp texture. Just boil it for two minutes, then plunge it into ice water. This stops the cooking process. Timing is also important. Add the chicken and broccoli to the pan before the cream. This warms them up and blends flavors nicely. For side dishes, a simple garden salad works well. It adds freshness and crunch. You can also serve garlic bread for a cozy touch. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds color and a hint of flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Make sure to cook the tortellini just until al dente to maintain their shape and texture in the dish. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile; cheddar or gouda can be delicious alternatives. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh parsley or even a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp adds a fresh taste. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Try using different vegetables too. Spinach, peas, or even bell peppers work well. Each adds its own flavor and texture. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer tasty options. For a dairy-free meal, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding spices can boost the flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish. You can also use flavored tortellini, like spinach or roasted garlic, for added depth. These changes can make each meal unique and exciting. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Always let it cool down first before sealing it up. You can freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini for up to three months. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk for a creamy texture. This helps the dish stay rich and tasty. Avoid reheating it too long to keep the cheese from becoming tough. To make this dish vegetarian, you can swap the chicken for plant-based proteins. Here are some tasty options: - Use firm tofu, diced and sautéed until golden. - Try chickpeas for a protein boost. - Use seitan for a meat-like texture. - Substitute with mushrooms for an earthy flavor. These swaps keep the dish rich and satisfying without meat. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Here are some tips: - Cook the frozen tortellini directly in boiling water. - Increase the cooking time by a few minutes. - Check the package for specific time guidelines. - Drain and add to your sauce when tender. Frozen tortellini works great and saves time in the kitchen! This dish pairs well with several sides: - A fresh garden salad adds crunch and color. - Garlic bread complements the creamy sauce perfectly. - Roasted vegetables bring extra flavor and nutrition. - A light soup can start the meal on a warm note. These options enhance your dining experience and bring variety to the table. In this blog post, we explored a simple and tasty Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini dish. We covered the needed ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to ensure a creamy sauce. I shared variations to fit different diets and suggested how to store leftovers properly. This dish is versatile and easy to make. You can customize it to your liking. I hope you enjoy trying this recipe and experimenting with your own twists. Cooking can be fun, so get creative in the kitchen!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

A creamy and cheesy dish featuring chicken, broccoli, and tortellini.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onion powder, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Stir in the shredded chicken and blanched broccoli florets. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until melted and creamy.
  • Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the cheesy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword broccoli, cheesy, Chicken, pasta, tortellini