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- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When picking fresh ingredients, look for vibrant colors. Choose broccoli with tight florets. It should feel firm, not soft. Check tortellini for any signs of freezer burn if using frozen. Always opt for heavy cream that has no lumps. Fresh chicken should have no odor and a bright color. For basil, select leaves that are bright green and fragrant. You can swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Use gluten-free tortellini if you have a gluten allergy. If you can't have chicken, you can use tofu or chickpeas instead. For a nut-free version, ensure your broth is free of nuts. Adjust seasonings to your taste or dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Turn the heat up high to bring it to a boil. Once the water boils, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for 3 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp. Use a slotted spoon to take the broccoli out and set it in a bowl. In the same pot, add 2 cups of cheese tortellini. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Once they are done, drain the tortellini and add them to the bowl with the broccoli. Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir them together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic starts! Next, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste into the skillet. Stir well for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of cooked chicken, the tortellini, and the broccoli. Toss everything together carefully. Make sure each piece is coated with the creamy sauce. Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Spoon the creamy chicken tortellini into serving bowls. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! To make the sauce super creamy, use heavy cream. It adds rich flavor and texture. Also, mix in grated Parmesan cheese at the end. This cheese melts perfectly and thickens the sauce. For an extra touch, allow the sauce to simmer gently. This helps the flavors blend well. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth. Cooking time can vary based on the type of tortellini. Fresh tortellini cooks faster, about 3-4 minutes. Frozen tortellini usually needs 5-7 minutes. Always check the package for exact times. Overcooking can make tortellini mushy. Test a piece to ensure it’s al dente, or firm to the bite. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil or parsley works great. You can also use a splash of lemon juice. It adds brightness to the dish. For spice lovers, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. Lastly, try sautéing some onions and garlic in the olive oil before adding the cream. This builds a deep, rich flavor base. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh tortellini and broccoli when possible. Fresh ingredients can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, replace half of the heavy cream with additional chicken broth. This will maintain flavor while reducing richness. Add Variety: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. {{image_4}} You can add more veggies to this dish. Try adding spinach or bell peppers. They cook quickly and blend well with the creamy sauce. Zucchini also works great. Just slice it thin and add it with the broccoli. This boosts vitamins and fiber without changing the taste. If you want to switch up the protein, try shrimp or turkey. Both add a nice twist. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or lentils. They give a hearty feel and pack in protein. Adjust cooking times to ensure everything is cooked just right. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer great options. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, giving a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the meal rich and tasty while meeting dietary needs. To keep your creamy chicken tortellini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Then, cover and place it in the fridge. This dish lasts up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date to track freshness. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently. Place the tortellini in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help it warm evenly. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave; heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. Cover tightly and label it with the date. This way, the creamy chicken tortellini can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm as described above. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it according to the package directions. Frozen tortellini cooks well and saves time. It tastes just as good as fresh. To add spice, try these options: - Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. - Mix in diced jalapeños with the chicken. - Use a spicy chicken broth for an extra kick. These options let you control the heat level. You can pair this dish with: - A fresh green salad. - Garlic bread or breadsticks. - Roasted vegetables for added flavor. These sides complement the creamy taste and make your meal balanced. The creamy chicken tortellini lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to reheat it gently to avoid curdling the sauce. This blog post covered all the key steps to make creamy chicken tortellini. We looked at ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned how to store leftovers and reheat them perfectly. Plus, you found ways to adjust ingredients for allergies and diets. I hope these insights help you create a delicious dish that everyone loves. With the right ingredients and techniques, you'll impress your family and friends. Now, it's time to enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli

A delicious and creamy dish featuring cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli and set it aside in a bowl.
  • In the same pot of boiling water used for the broccoli, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside with the broccoli.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend together.
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings into the creamy sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Gently fold in the cooked chicken, tortellini, and broccoli into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together carefully, ensuring the tortellini and broccoli are evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed, to enhance the flavor.
  • Neatly spoon the creamy chicken tortellini into serving bowls. For a delightful finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and basil for garnish.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, creamy, pasta, tortellini