Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering Italian-inspired masterpiece that combines the perfect blend of tender grilled chicken, al dente tortellini, and crisp broccoli! This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a delicious dinner that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying – get ready to become the culinary hero of your household!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz tortellini
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of tortellini, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 2 grilled and sliced chicken breasts, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
- While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic powder and stir for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil.
- Add the grilled chicken slices to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the chicken. Toss gently to combine.
- Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and stir everything together, ensuring the tortellini, chicken, and broccoli are evenly mixed.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the mixture and toss gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and coat the ingredients.
- Remove from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Grilled Chicken Broccoli Tortellini warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken breasts for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance tenderness and taste.
- To keep your broccoli bright green and perfectly crisp, immediately transfer it to an ice bath after blanching to stop the cooking process.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the richest flavor – pre-packaged grated cheese can't compare to the real thing.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your own.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese when combining the ingredients.
- Choose high-quality tortellini – fresh or frozen varieties will yield the best results.
- Don't overcook the tortellini; they should be tender but still have a slight bite to maintain the perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg