Description
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Broccoli is a quick and delicious vegetarian pasta dish that combines tender cheese tortellini and fresh broccoli florets in a creamy garlic butter sauce, topped with savory Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and can be easily customized with additional proteins.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the tortellini and broccoli thoroughly.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with flavor.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained tortellini and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with the garlic butter, then stir in the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is evenly coated and the sauce is creamy.
- Season and Garnish: Season the pasta mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet with the tortellini.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it before adding it to the boiling pasta water.
- You can substitute fresh Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free tortellini to adapt this recipe for gluten intolerance.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
