Name: Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 24 ounces cheese tortellini; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter (half a stick); 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup flour; 2 cups milk (2%); 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that hits all the right notes of creamy, cheesy comfort, this Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and vibrant broccoli all wrapped in a luscious, bubbling cheese sauce, it’s a dinner everyone will look forward to. The best part? It comes together quickly, with simple ingredients and minimal fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the fantastic simplicity that brings Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini to life. Every ingredient is carefully chosen for flavor, texture, or that irresistible pop of color. Grab these essentials and get ready for a truly satisfying meal!

Cheese tortellini (24 ounces): These bite-sized pasta pillows are the soul of the dish, stuffed with rich cheesy goodness.
Broccoli florets (2 cups): They add a fresh crunch and gorgeous green color, making every forkful feel bright and hearty.
Olive oil (2 teaspoons): The perfect base for sautéing the chicken and building big flavors.
Chicken breasts (2, cut into bite-sized pieces): Juicy chicken adds satisfying protein and a savory twist to the recipe.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): This pantry staple quietly boosts the overall flavor without chunks of onion.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient and keeps the flavors balanced.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Provides a silky foundation for the sauce—don’t skip this for that velvety texture.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds a warm, aromatic punch that melds beautifully with the cheeses.
Flour (¼ cup): Just enough to create a creamy, thick sauce that clings lovingly to the tortellini and chicken.
Milk (2 cups, preferably 2%): Creates a rich, smooth sauce without feeling too heavy.
Shredded parmesan cheese (1 cup): Melty, tangy Parmesan is the backbone of that dreamy cheese sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds stretch, creaminess, and a little extra excitement to every bite.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. During the last minute of cooking, toss in those bright green broccoli florets. The broccoli will get perfectly crisp-tender in just sixty seconds, so don’t worry about it overcooking. Drain the tortellini and broccoli together and set them aside—you’re already halfway to a fantastic Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Return the same pot to the stove and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle in the kosher salt and onion powder, and give everything a quick stir. Sauté until the chicken is lightly golden and cooked through, which should take about 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside; this ensures it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.

Step 3: Build That Creamy Cheese Sauce

Without even grabbing a new pan, melt the butter in the pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a pale golden color. Now, slowly pour in the milk while whisking, and watch as the mixture transforms into a creamy sauce. Increase the heat slightly so the milk starts to bubble gently, then reduce the heat and add in the parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until smooth and molten.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Now for the magic moment: Return the drained tortellini, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the pot with your glorious cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly, making sure that sauce finds its way into every nook and cranny. Heat through for another minute or two so everything is piping hot, then serve up your cozy, creamy Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini right away.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini

Garnishes

Sometimes those final touches make all the difference! For Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini, a generous shower of fresh grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley are foolproof crowd-pleasers. If you love a hint of color and a bit of zing, add cracked black pepper or even a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Every bowl deserves that extra flourish!

Side Dishes

This dish is filling on its own, but it shines even brighter with a simple side. Classic garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to keep things light and refreshing. A glass of chilled white wine wouldn’t go amiss, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini into a show-stopping centerpiece by serving it in a large, beautiful bowl at the table so everyone can help themselves. For a fun twist, portion it into individual ramekins, top with a bit of extra cheese, and broil for a golden, bubbly finish. Or, try family-style in a big skillet for a rustic touch that invites everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers will keep happily in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini reheats beautifully, and the flavors almost deepen overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini. Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to two months, and you can thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce may thicken a bit, so add a splash of milk if it needs loosening.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your leftovers into a saucepan over low heat, adding a little milk to restore creaminess if needed. Stir occasionally until warm throughout. You can also microwave individual portions, but stir halfway through for even heating. The tortellini stays surprisingly tender, and every bite tastes just as delicious the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen or refrigerated tortellini both work great for Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini. Just follow the package cooking times, and don’t forget to add the broccoli during the last minute.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the chicken and perhaps bump up the broccoli. The cheesy sauce and tortellini deliver plenty of flavor and satisfaction on their own!

Can I substitute different cheeses?

You can! Swap in a bit of sharp cheddar or fontina for a richer sauce, or use pecorino for extra tang. Stay close to the mozzarella and parmesan combo for the classic Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini feel, but don’t be afraid to mix it up.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce thickens more than you’d like, simply whisk in a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. The flour continues to thicken as it sits, so a splash of milk always does the trick.

Can Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini be made ahead of time?

Definitely. Make the full dish, let it cool, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave—just add a little milk if the sauce needs reviving.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini a spot on your table soon. It’s one of those joyfully easy dishes that bring everyone together and always delivers pure comfort. There’s so much to love in every creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled forkful!

Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini dish that combines tender cheese tortellini, crisp broccoli, succulent chicken, and a rich cheese sauce.

Instructions

Cook Tortellini and Broccoli: Boil tortellini and broccoli in a large pot of water. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Brown chicken pieces in olive oil with salt and onion powder. Remove and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, cook butter, garlic, and flour. Add milk and cheese, stirring until melted. Combine with tortellini, broccoli, and chicken. Serve hot.