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.
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.
- 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.