Creamy tortellini with broccoli is a rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini, crisp broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave comfort food with a touch of freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- A perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and fresh flavors.
- Great for using store-bought tortellini for a hassle-free meal.
- A one-pot dish that reduces cleanup.
- Kid-friendly and can be easily customized with protein or additional veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Broccoli florets
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (if using), stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Return the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the pot, tossing everything together to coat in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein.
- Healthier Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based tortellini, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What’s the best type of tortellini for this dish?
Cheese-filled tortellini works best, but spinach or meat-filled varieties are also great options.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If it thickens too much, stir in a little more broth or cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What cheese pairs well with this recipe?
Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, store the sauce and pasta separately to prevent the tortellini from absorbing too much liquid.
How can I make this dish less rich?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or mix in a bit of Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
What’s the best way to cook the broccoli?
Adding it to the pasta water in the last few minutes ensures it’s tender-crisp and perfectly cooked.
Can I make this a one-pan dish?
Yes, cook the tortellini in the sauce with extra broth to absorb flavor while reducing dishes.
Conclusion
Creamy tortellini with broccoli is a quick and comforting meal that balances cheesy pasta with fresh vegetables. Its creamy sauce and simple ingredients make it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress
Print
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
This creamy tortellini with broccoli is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring cheesy tortellini, tender broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheese tortellini
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions, adding broccoli in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper, mixing until smooth.
- Add cooked tortellini and broccoli
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- , tossing to coat.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéin
- Cuisine: Italian