Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini One-Pot Dinner: An Irresistible Pasta Perfect for Any Night 🍝🥦✨
1. Introduction
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that comes together quickly and requires minimal cleanup? Look no further than this creamy chicken and broccoli tortellini one-pot dinner. Combining tender tortellini with juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. With its rich flavors and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll love how this one-pot pasta effortlessly transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. For more inspiring pasta recipes, check out our creamy chicken Florentine dinner or our spicy Cajun pasta options.
2. Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini
- 1 pound (about 450g) of tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini
Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breasts, wash the broccoli florets, mince the garlic, and measure out all liquids and cheeses for easy assembly.
Sauté the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook the broccoli and garlic
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the broccoli florets. Cook until tender yet crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Add liquids and cheese
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Cook the tortellini
Add the tortellini to the pan, stirring to coat evenly. Cover and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate the chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a microwave or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as the cheese and cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate One-Pot Pasta
This creamy tortellini dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Want to elevate your cooking tools? Consider using the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set for easy sautéing and cleanup, making it even more enjoyable to whip up this delicious dinner.
6. FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini
Can I use other pasta types instead of tortellini?
Yes, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or farfalle if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
What substitutions are possible for the cream?
If you want a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk; however, the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration.
How long does it take to prepare this creamy tortellini dish?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — Perfect for preparing larger quantities of sauces or pre-cooking ingredients in advance, saving time during busy evenings.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Make chopping your broccoli and garlic seamless and quick, so you spend less time in the kitchen.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Chill your beverages or ingredients efficiently to keep your kitchen cool while cooking.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer — Useful for mixing sauces or preparing other components of your favorite pasta dishes.
8. Conclusion
This creamy chicken and broccoli tortellini one-pot dinner is a delightful, comforting meal that combines quick preparation with rich, satisfying flavors. Perfect for busy nights, it minimizes dishes and maximizes taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, you’ll find this recipe incredibly versatile and endlessly customizable. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of flavorful pasta that everyone will love!
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Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli – One-Pot Dinner!
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli is a quick and delicious one-pot dinner that combines tender tortellini, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this flavorful dish is easy to make and minimizes cleanup.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 450g) of tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: dice chicken, wash broccoli, mince garlic, measure liquids and cheeses.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add broccoli. Cook until tender yet crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add tortellini to the pan, stirring to coat. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan, stir to combine, and heat for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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