Name: Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm, delicious hug, you simply must try this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe. It perfectly combines tender cheese tortellini with vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a luxurious garlic butter and creamy Parmesan sauce. Every bite bursts with rich flavor and just the right touch of brightness from lemon juice. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also beautifully balanced, making it a go-to for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss.

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential in building the flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe sing. Each element plays a key role—from the velvety tortellini to the fresh green broccoli, and the bold garlic and Parmesan that elevate the whole dish.

Cheese Tortellini (9 oz): Choose fresh or frozen for soft, cheesy pillows that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Broccoli (1 medium head): Cut into florets to add a satisfying crunch and pop of green healthiness.
Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): Creates the rich base for the garlic sauce, allowing flavors to blend perfectly.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star aromatics that infuse the dish with irresistible savory warmth.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For those who like a subtle kick, these add depth without overwhelming.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into a creamy texture and delivers that signature salty, nutty flavor.
Heavy Cream (1/4 cup): Smooths out the sauce with luscious creaminess.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the entire dish, balancing the richness with a fresh zing.
Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste to bring out all the flavors beautifully.
Fresh Parsley (chopped): A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this helps season the tortellini right from the start. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually between 3 to 5 minutes if fresh. When there are just 2 or 3 minutes left, toss in the broccoli florets so they become tender yet still retain their gorgeous green color. Drain both together while reserving a bit of the cooking water to loosen your sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté carefully for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen and the garlic turns golden—be cautious not to burn it as garlic can get bitter quickly. If you enjoy a little spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, infusing the sauce with gentle heat.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Broccoli with Sauce

Next, add the drained tortellini and broccoli straight into the skillet. Use a gentle toss to coat everything in the flavorful garlic butter, ensuring the pasta and vegetables are evenly covered. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to blend everything into a silky sauce. Let this simmer for a minute or two so the flavors meld, using some reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick—it’s all about the perfect consistency here.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Lemon

Now for the magic touch: sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle the lemon juice over the pan. Toss everything together until the cheese has melted into a creamy coating over every piece of tortellini and broccoli. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste—this step truly makes all the flavors sing in harmony.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli piping hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for that fresh, vibrant finish. You’ll find this dish delightful enough to be a main event on your dinner table any night of the week.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Add freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving. The parsley adds color and a hint of herbal freshness, while extra Parmesan enhances the creamy, savory indulgence of the dish. For an extra pop, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a silky sheen and richness.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe shines as a satisfying main course, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp mixed green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also complement the creamy pasta perfectly, giving you a chance to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh parsley and a small wedge of lemon on the side for guests to squeeze themselves. You can also transfer it to a beautiful ceramic baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and briefly broil it until golden and bubbly for a bubbly, gratin-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors again with ease. The tortellini will soak up the sauce overnight, so adding a splash of cream or pasta water before reheating helps restore the saucy goodness.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze the tortellini and broccoli separately from the sauce. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of cream or cream substitute to refresh the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a bit of heavy cream or reserved pasta water if the sauce looks dry. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, to evenly warm the pasta without overcooking it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient and perfectly tasty substitute. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it heats through without becoming mushy.

Is there a lighter version of this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe?

Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk to reduce richness while keeping the creamy texture. You might want to adjust the amount of butter slightly to balance flavors.

Can I add protein to make this dish heartier?

Definitely. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or crisp bacon are fantastic additions that blend well with the garlic Parmesan flavors, making the dish even more satisfying as a main course.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when sautéing garlic and stir constantly. Remove the pan from heat if the garlic starts to brown too quickly to avoid bitterness.

What type of Parmesan cheese is best to use?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, offers the best flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce, giving a fresh, nutty taste that pre-grated powders just can’t match.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe beautifully combines simplicity and bold flavors to create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Its creamy texture, fresh broccoli, and rich garlic-Parmesan goodness deliver pure comfort in every forkful. I hope you have as much joy cooking and eating this dish as I do sharing it with you. Trust me, it quickly becomes a beloved favorite!

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Matteo
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli recipe is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini and vibrant broccoli florets tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with Parmesan and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it beautifully balances rich flavors and fresh ingredients.

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—typically 3-5 minutes for fresh or 7-10 minutes for frozen. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot so they become tender and maintain their bright green color. Drain both together, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, and 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 until fragrant and golden but not burnt. Stir in red pepper flakes if using, cooking for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Combine Pasta and Broccoli with Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the garlic butter. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
Add Parmesan and Lemon: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, tossing continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Frozen broccoli florets can be substituted for fresh if fresh broccoli is unavailable.
For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon to the dish if you want more protein for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Italian