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 - Broccoli tortellini: craft this creamy, cheesy pasta dish with tender broccoli

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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

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

Pro tips

  • 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!

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