Name: Easy Broccoli Cheese Tortellini: Pure Comfort in a Bowl!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces cheese tortellini; 2 heads broccoli, florets roughly chopped; 2 lemons, preferably Meyer, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large handfuls baby spinach; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 cup grated manchego cheese; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; pinch crushed red pepper flakes

This broccoli tortellini recipe offers a simple, satisfying meal. It combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.

⏱ Time: 25 min

👥 Servings: 4

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 10 ingredients

Easy Broccoli Cheese Tortellini: Pure Comfort in a Bowl!

Broccoli tortellini: craft this creamy, cheesy pasta dish with tender broccoli and fried lemon. A perfect, easy weeknight meal in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces cheese tortellini
2 heads broccoli, florets roughly chopped
2 lemons, preferably Meyer, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large handfuls baby spinach
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup grated manchego cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and broccoli and cook according to package directions until the tortellini is al dente, about 4-6 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, add the lemon slices. Just before draining, remove 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain. Pick out the lemon slices.
Return the pot to the stove and set over medium heat. Add the olive oil and lemon slices. Fry until lightly golden on each side, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Remove the pot from the heat.
Add the tortellini, broccoli, spinach, chives, butter, grated manchego cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
Add a splash of the pasta cooking water. Toss until the cheese has melted, adding more water, little by little, to create a loose sauce.
Season with crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

Easy Broccoli Cheese Tortellini served and ready to eat — Easy Broccoli Cheese Tortellini

To ensure perfectly al dente tortellini, always follow the package instructions but err on the side of slightly undercooking, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
If you don’t have Meyer lemons, regular lemons work wonderfully too! Just be mindful that Meyer lemons are a bit sweeter, so adjust for tartness if using standard lemons.
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

This broccoli tortellini is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Give it a try and discover your new favorite quick meal!