Indulge in a creamy, dreamy Italian delight that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! Our "Tortellini with Broccoli and Cream Sauce" is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines tender cheese tortellini with vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is quick to prepare, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress family and friends alike. Ready to whip up something extraordinary? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- While water is heating, wash and cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, setting them aside for later use.
- Once water is boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets directly to the same pot to blanch them alongside the tortellini.
- In a separate large skillet, heat minced garlic over medium heat for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic, stirring continuously and bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Drain the tortellini and broccoli, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gently fold tortellini and broccoli into the cream sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh broccoli florets and high-quality cheese tortellini. Fresh ingredients can elevate the dish significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the tortellini while it cooks. Aim for al dente for the perfect texture—this will help it hold up better in the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water. This starchy liquid can help adjust the sauce's consistency and make it cling better to the tortellini.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also make a lovely garnish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after mixing with the sauce for the creamiest texture and the most vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
