The Creamiest Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Recipe Ever Made

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering chicken broccoli tortellini that will spark joy at your dinner table.

Cheesy pasta swirls dance with tender chicken pieces and vibrant green florets.

Weeknight meals suddenly feel special with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Rich creamy sauce coats each tortellini, making every bite an adventure.

Perfectly balanced ingredients promise a satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

Simple techniques ensure success for home cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll want to savor each delicious forkful and share this recipe with everyone you know.

Why Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Hits the Comfort Spot

• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu, making it perfect for different dietary preferences.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and simplifying meal preparation.
• Create Creamy Restaurant-Quality Dish: Achieve a rich, luxurious sauce with simple ingredients that rivals professional restaurant offerings, impressing family and friends.
• Nutrition Packed Meal: Combine protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled broccoli, and hearty tortellini for a balanced, satisfying dinner that supports healthy eating goals.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the protein base of the dish and adds hearty flavor.

• Tortellini: Soft, ring-shaped pasta that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and crisp texture to the dish.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a flavor foundation for the sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that enhances the overall savory profile of the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy element that adds thickness and tangy depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that provides a bold flavor and creamy consistency.

• Dried Basil, Oregano: Herbs that contribute authentic Italian-style seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for sautéing chicken and vegetables, adding subtle flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini at Home

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Develop the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until they become fragrant and turn translucent, which takes around 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Broccoli Goodness

Toss broccoli florets into the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes. The goal is to keep the broccoli crisp and tender.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 7: Reunite the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently fold it into the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Cook the Tortellini

In a separate pot, cook tortellini according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection.

Step 9: Combine and Finish

Drain the tortellini and add it directly to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the pasta with sauce and combine all ingredients.

Step 10: Final Simmer

Let the dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the tortellini hot, with an optional sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top for those who love an extra cheesy touch.

Tips to Nail Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Every Time

• Choose High-Quality Chicken: Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts with minimal fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Prevent Overcooking Broccoli: Quickly sauté broccoli to maintain a vibrant green color and crisp-tender crunch, avoiding mushy vegetables.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding chicken broth or cream, ensuring a smooth, creamy coating for tortellini.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast dried herbs briefly in the skillet before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and release more complex flavors.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Chop ingredients and measure spices beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Fun Ways to Customize Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

• Garden Fresh Remix: Replace broccoli with a vibrant mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a colorful vegetable medley that adds extra nutrition and visual appeal.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, swap parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder to create a zesty, bold flavor profile with a kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the dish with rich Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and tangy notes.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or lean ground turkey, and add extra protein by mixing in white beans or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

What Goes Well with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy sauce with their light, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness.
• Create Garlic Bread Sidekick: Toasted rustic bread with garlic butter provides a crunchy contrast to the tender tortellini and adds delightful texture to the meal.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy pasta dish, balancing the meal's heaviness.
• Select Sparkling Water Accent: Chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon cleanses the palate between bites and helps refresh the taste buds during this indulgent meal.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

• Transfer leftover chicken broccoli tortellini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption from other foods.
• Cool the dish completely before placing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and store for up to 2 months. Label containers with the date and contents.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce separation. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming.

Common Questions About Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the skillet to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

• What type of tortellini is best for this recipe?

Cheese tortellini is ideal, but you can also use meat-filled varieties like chicken or spinach tortellini to add extra flavor to the dish.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cream cheese to lower the calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional tortellini contains wheat flour. Look for gluten-free tortellini made from alternative flours like rice or chickpea to make the recipe gluten-free.