Description
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender cheese tortellini with fresh broccoli, all tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, and topped with parmesan cheese. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini, 7-10 minutes for frozen). In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook until tender and bright green. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds. - Combine Pasta and Broccoli with Sauce:
Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta and broccoli in the butter. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. - Add Parmesan and Lemon:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, tossing until the cheese has melted and the sauce has become creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve:
Serve the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh if needed.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- To make this dish heartier, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg