Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish made with cheese-filled tortellini, fresh broccoli florets, and a homemade Alfredo sauce. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. It is a perfect comfort food for pasta and cheese lovers, and the addition of broccoli adds some much-needed nutrition to the dish.
Is The most comforting pasta dish you can imagine and it’s all yours for the making in 30 minutes or less.
Cheese tortellini and broccoli florets are drowned in the creamiest, dreamiest Parmesan cheese sauce with a touch of garlic and parsley.
It comes together so quickly you can fit it right into a busy weeknight. Or not. That’s definitely not a requirement! But if you’ve had a long or particularly stressful day then this is a good way to end it.
The broccoli and tortellini are cooked separately then tossed in the easy sauce that starts with butter and garlic then moves on to half & half and a shocking amount of Parmesan cheese. Enough to sprinkle on an entire dish army of spaghetti.
Don’t be scared. Embrace the Parmesan. It’s a necessary evil, the most important component because without it there is no alfredo. You really must love Parmesan. And I do. I really, really do.
I’m not asking you to make it every night.
This is comfort food, not diet food.
Sorry not sorry.
Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini is a dish that has a number of nutritional benefits. Here are some of the key ingredients and their potential health benefits:
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a great source of vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and minerals such as potassium and iron. It also contains compounds called glucosinolates, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Spinach: Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and iron. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Garlic: Garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It is rich in compounds such as allicin and sulfur, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It also contains vitamin A and vitamin B12, as well as phosphorus and zinc.
- Tortellini: Tortellini is a type of pasta that is usually stuffed with cheese or meat. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, and can be a satisfying addition to a balanced meal.
Overall, Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini is a dish that provides a good balance of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.
Here are a few serving suggestions for Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini:
- Serve as a main dish: This dish is hearty enough to be served as a main course. Simply dish it out into bowls and enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Pair with grilled chicken: For a more substantial meal, consider serving the tortellini with grilled chicken. The chicken can be marinated in a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection.
- Add extra veggies: While the dish already includes broccoli, feel free to add even more veggies to the mix. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are all delicious options.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, consider garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme. The herbs will add a burst of fresh flavor and brighten up the dish.
- Serve as a side dish: If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to serve alongside your main course, Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini is a great choice. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
I hope you enjoyed learning about this delicious Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini recipe and its many health benefits! If you’re a fan of comfort food, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
If you do decide to make this dish, be sure to let me know how it turns out! I love hearing from my readers and would be thrilled to hear about your experience making this recipe. Don’t forget to tag me on social media so I can see your creations and share them with my followers.
Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces broccoli florets (about 4 cups cooked)
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- a pat of butter
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and fresh black pepper
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 + 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
Steam the broccoli until tender and cook the tortellini according to package directions. Right before draining scoop out 1/2 cup of the cooking water and set it aside. Toss the cooked tortellini with a pat of butter to prevent sticking.
While the broccoli and tortellini are cooking line up all the sauce ingredients because once you start making it the recipe moves fast.
When the broccoli and tortellini are done cooking set a large frying pan over medium low heat and melt the butter for the sauce.
Add the garlic and a dash of salt and pepper, cook until fragrant, stirring often about 2 minutes.
Pour in the half & half, turn heat up to medium high and bring to a simmer, stirring often.
Once it comes up to a simmer slowly stir in half the pasta water you set aside and the Parmesan cheese. Cook another minute or two.
Turn heat down to low. Add the broccoli, tortellini, parsley and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Slowly stir with a wooden spoon to coat them with the sauce.
Once it thickens remove from the heat and serve. If the sauce becomes too thick you can slowly stir in the remaining pasta water.
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