If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly on busy weeknights, the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe is here to save the day. This dish is a fantastic harmony of tender cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. The subtle hint of lemon juice lifts the richness, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but fresh ingredients is key to making this dish truly shine. Each component plays a distinct role—from the creamy cheese in the tortellini to the bright, slightly crisp broccoli that adds texture and color to the plate.
- Cheese tortellini (9 oz package): Fresh or frozen works just fine, providing the perfect pillow of cheesy goodness.
- Broccoli (1 medium head): Cut into florets to add a fresh, green crunch that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Essential for creating that silky, buttery base for the garlic sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The hero flavor that infuses the whole dish with warmth and aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds just a hint of heat to give the recipe a subtle kick.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup plus extra): The key ingredient for a nutty, savory finish that binds everything together.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Brings a rich, velvety texture to the sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and lifts the dish, balancing the creamy elements.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning perfectly enhances all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For garnish, delivering a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook until tender, usually about 3 to 4 minutes for fresh or per package instructions for frozen. During the last 2 minutes, toss in the broccoli florets to soften them slightly while keeping their crunch. Once cooked, drain together and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now and let them toast lightly with the garlic.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it warm through. Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring to create a smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
Step 4: Combine Tortellini and Broccoli with Sauce
Gently toss the cooked tortellini and broccoli into the skillet with the sauce. Drizzle the lemon juice over the top and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are completely coated in the velvety garlic Parmesan sauce.
Step 5: Final Touches
Let the dish warm through for another minute or so, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving never fails to elevate this dish. Fresh parsley is more than just a pretty face; it brings a light, herbal note that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce. For a touch of crunch, try toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds as a garnish.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread makes for a well-rounded meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds peppery brightness, while warm bread invites you to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party vibe, serve the tortellini in shallow bowls, garnished with parmesan shards and a sprinkle of chili flakes for color contrast. Alternatively, plate it alongside grilled chicken or seared shrimp to add protein and make it feel even more special. Kids might appreciate individual portions with a drizzle of extra butter and cheese—comfort food at its best!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate if possible helps maintain the best texture for the tortellini and broccoli.
Freezing
While fresh tortellini is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Note that broccoli can become softer after freezing and reheating, so freezing is an option best reserved for when texture changes are less concerning.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess and stir frequently until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent the tortellini from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli is already partially cooked.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe is vegetarian as long as you use Parmesan cheese labeled as suitable for vegetarians, since some cheeses contain animal rennet.
Can I substitute cream with a lighter alternative?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, although the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but are optional, so you can easily leave them out if you prefer no heat at all.
What type of tortellini works best?
Fresh cheese tortellini is ideal for its tender texture and flavor, but high-quality frozen tortellini works just as well and is super convenient.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that’s cozy, quick, and bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy garlic sauce and fresh broccoli paired with cheesy tortellini hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your rotation!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with creamy Parmesan and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
Sauce and Seasoning
- 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh or 7-9 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: In the same pot or a separate steaming basket, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still vibrant green, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked tortellini and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly in the garlic butter.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and coats the tortellini and broccoli well.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and butter substitutes and omit the heavy cream or use coconut milk.
- If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add crushed red chili pepper.
- Make sure not to overcook broccoli to retain its bright color and crunch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
