Imagine a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines the perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pillowy tortellini - a meal that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a quick, delicious journey through Italian-inspired comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz tortellini
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of tortellini, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of cooked and shredded chicken, 1 cup of Alfredo sauce, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the top. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In the last 2-3 minutes of the tortellini cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will blanch the broccoli and ensure it remains bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once the tortellini and broccoli are cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, return the drained tortellini and broccoli. Add the shredded chicken and pour in the Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through and the sauce is bubbling, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once heated, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture and flavor - fresh pasta cooks faster and has a more delicate taste.
- Don't overcook the broccoli - blanching it briefly keeps the vibrant green color and maintains a perfect tender-crisp texture.
- For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning your chicken with Italian herbs before shredding.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to help it coat the tortellini evenly.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Alfredo sauce with a lighter cream sauce or Greek yogurt-based sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an extra pop of color and freshness.
- Ensure all ingredients are heated through evenly to maximize flavor and food safety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 359kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 78mg
