Broccoli Tortellini is a quick, tasty, and satisfying dish that combines tender tortellini pasta with nutritious broccoli in a creamy or light sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to whip up this comforting meal!
🥦 Broccoli Tortellini
Ingredients:
- 1 package (about 9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creamy sauce)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the tortellini and broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
- In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water with the tortellini.
- Drain tortellini and broccoli, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Make the sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- If using cream, add it now and let it warm gently.
- Add tortellini and broccoli to the skillet.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and coating everything nicely.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if desired.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Swap cream for olive oil and add toasted pine nuts for a lighter version.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for more flavor.