Broccoli Chicken Tortellini
Creamy broccoli chicken tortellini combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and savory chicken in a rich Parmesan sauce, perfect for family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil the dried egg noodles and fresh cheese tortellini for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped broccoli to the pot and boil for an additional 3 minutes or until the noodles and tortellini are tender.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli mixture.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add half and half cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the drained pasta and broccoli.
- Serve family-style with breadsticks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese along with the half and half. You can substitute the chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer a lighter dish, swap half of the butter for olive oil. Fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can also enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a family-style meal; consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. For a heartier option, pair it with a side of roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with breadsticks for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the pan to prevent the noodles from drying out. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Chicken Tortellini contains roughly 879 calories, with 22g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance and store them separately. Combine them just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the noodles from becoming too soft. Just add a bit of liquid when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Just make sure to steam it until tender before adding it to the pot to ensure even cooking. This can save you prep time and still provide great flavor and nutrition in this dish.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work well for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option, providing a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).