Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini recipe. Featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights or a comforting meal to enjoy on cozy weekends, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 (20 ounce) package cheese tortellini
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli, roughly chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Simmer Broth and Milk: Pour in chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Cook Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and continue cooking for about 3 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked and the broccoli is bright green, stirring occasionally.
  5. Melt Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Incorporate Chicken: Fold in the diced cooked chicken until evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
  7. Season to Taste: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve Hot: Serve the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Calories: (Calories may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions)

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Immediately: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini is best served hot and fresh, straight from the stove to the table, to enjoy its creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
  2. Garnish Before Serving: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes over the dish just before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.
  3. Pair with Accompaniments: Serve the tortellini with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
  4. Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container and refrigerating them within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  5. Consume Within 3 Days: Enjoy any leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini within 3 days for the best taste and quality. Reheat individual portions as needed.
  6. Reheat Gently: When reheating leftovers, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating and maintain the creamy texture.
  7. Add a Splash of Liquid: If the sauce thickens upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it to the desired consistency.
  8. Freeze for Future Enjoyment: While tortellini dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini for up to 2-3 months. Portion it into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers or bags.
  9. Thaw Before Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.
  10. Refresh Before Serving: If the tortellini seems dry after reheating, drizzle a little extra chicken broth or milk over it before serving to revive the creaminess of the sauce.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini remains delicious and satisfying, whether freshly prepared or enjoyed as leftovers.

Variations:

  1. Spinach and Mushroom: Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms to the tortellini mixture for an extra dose of vegetables and earthy flavor.
  2. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
  3. Alfredo Style: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with Alfredo sauce for an even creamier and indulgent twist.
  4. Bacon and Ranch: Incorporate crispy bacon pieces and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a savory and satisfying flavor combination.
  5. Buffalo Chicken: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the tortellini mixture for a spicy kick. Top with blue cheese crumbles for added flavor.
  6. Pesto and Cherry Tomato: Mix in pesto sauce and halved cherry tomatoes for a vibrant and herbaceous variation.
  7. Tex-Mex Fusion: Add black beans, corn, and diced green chilies to the tortellini mixture, and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend for a Tex-Mex twist.
  8. Italian Sausage and Peppers: Use cooked Italian sausage slices instead of chicken, and add sautéed bell peppers and onions for a hearty and flavorful option.
  9. Broccoli Alfredo: Replace the cream of chicken soup with Alfredo sauce, and omit the broccoli. Serve the creamy tortellini with steamed broccoli on the side.
  10. Mediterranean Delight: Mix in chopped olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute frozen tortellini for fresh. Cook according to package instructions before adding to the dish.
  2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  3. Can I use other types of pasta? While tortellini works best for this recipe, you can certainly use other pasta shapes such as penne, farfalle, or rigatoni if preferred.
  4. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken? Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the dish as directed.
  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for a gluten-free version.
  6. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Adjust baking time as needed if the dish is cold.
  7. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  8. Can I add extra vegetables? Of course! Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as peas, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.
  9. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Gouda, or fontina to create unique flavor combinations.
  10. Can I adjust the level of creaminess? Absolutely! Add more milk or chicken broth for a thinner sauce, or increase the amount of cream cheese for a thicker, creamier consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.

With its creamy sauce, tender tortellini, and wholesome chicken and broccoli, our Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini recipe is the epitome of comfort food bliss. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for satisfying cravings on busy weeknights or enjoying leisurely on cozy weekends. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dish and savor the delicious flavors with every bite.