Description
Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli Skillet
A simple and delicious skillet meal with chicken, broccoli, and tortellini. This easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners and quick lunches.
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Olive oil
Garlic
Tortellini
Broccoli
Broth
Fresh parsley
Steps:
Cook chicken in oil until browned.
Add garlic, then mix in tortellini and broccoli.
Pour broth, simmer until flavors meld.
Garnish with parsley.
#SimpleSkilletMeals
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Dice one pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince three cloves of garlic. Cut one head of broccoli into small florets.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Add Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine Main Ingredients: Add one 9-ounce package of fresh cheese tortellini and the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine with the chicken and garlic.
5. Simmer: Pour in 1.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the broccoli is bright green.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty skillet meal is a complete dish on its own. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula, which will wilt slightly from the heat. A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. To add a creamy element, finish each plate with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta.
How-to Summary
Brown diced chicken in olive oil. Sauté garlic briefly, then add fresh tortellini and broccoli florets. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked and broccoli is tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, frozen tortellini works well. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the simmering time. There’s no need to thaw it first.
What can I use instead of chicken broth? Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute. For a richer flavor, you can use half broth and half water with a tablespoon of butter.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more substance.
Is dry tortellini okay to use? It’s not recommended for this one-pot method. Dry pasta requires more liquid and a longer cook time, which can overcook the broccoli and chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the chicken, as this will steam it instead of creating a flavorful sear. Do not overcook the garlic in step three, as it can burn and turn bitter in less than a minute. Ensure you use fresh or frozen tortellini, not the dry shelf-stable kind, for the correct cooking time. Finally, resist the urge to skip the fresh parsley—it adds a crucial burst of fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish.
Conclusion
This Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli Skillet is the ultimate solution for a satisfying, balanced meal with minimal cleanup. By combining protein, vegetables, and pasta in one pan, it delivers maximum flavor with efficient effort. Its versatility with ingredients and quick cook time makes it a reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again for stress-free dinners.
