This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender cheese tortellini, fresh broccoli, juicy chicken, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh broccoli, roughly chopped
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm 1 teaspoon olive oil.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the Liquids:
- Pour in Chicken Broth and Milk: Stir in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Tortellini:
- Add Cheese Tortellini: Once the liquid is boiling, stir in the cheese tortellini and cook for about 2 minutes.
4. Add Broccoli:
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the 3 cups fresh broccoli and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is fully cooked and the broccoli turns a bright green color.
5. Make it Cheesy:
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Add Chicken and Season:
- Stir in Chicken: Add the 2 cups diced cooked chicken and stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
- Serve Hot: Dish up your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread to make the meal even more satisfying!
Helpful Tips:
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken.
- Customize the Veggies: If you don’t have broccoli on hand, you can swap it with other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas.
- Lighten it Up: For a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese and skim milk.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, but generally, it cooks similarly to fresh tortellini.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Asiago or Pecorino Romano would also work well in this dish for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 259 kcal per serving
- Servings: Makes 6 servings
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini is a rich, creamy, and indulgent meal that can be on the table in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!