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.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- 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—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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan tortellini, broccoli pasta, creamy tortellini recipe, Italian vegetarian pasta, easy weeknight dinner
