Enjoy a comforting bowl of Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini, a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that combines tender broccoli florets, soft cheese tortellini, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. This quick meal is perfect for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress your guests. The hint of nutmeg and red pepper flakes adds just the right touch of warmth and flavor complexity, while freshly grated Parmesan takes this pasta dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 (12-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Broccoli and Tortellini:
- Start by boiling a generous pot of salted water.
- Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring they remain tender yet vibrant green.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside.
- In the same pot of boiling water, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a spacious skillet, melt some butter over medium heat.
- Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of nutmeg, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Slowly pour in the half-and-half, stirring constantly.
- Allow the mixture to simmer, then mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and thick, about 3-5 minutes.
- Adjust the flavor of the sauce by adding salt and pepper according to your preference.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, gently tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve it alongside a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to create a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion:
This Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini is the perfect blend of cheesy tortellini, tender broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that combines the classic flavors of creamy pasta and fresh vegetables. The warmth of red pepper flakes and nutmeg gives it a delightful twist, making this dish a new favorite for cozy dinners at home.
Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini
Ingredients
- 6 cups of broccoli florets chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 12-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Broccoli and Tortellini:
- Start by boiling a generous pot of salted water.
- Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring they remain tender yet vibrant green.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside.
- In the same pot of boiling water, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a spacious skillet, melt some butter over medium heat.
- Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of nutmeg, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Slowly pour in the half-and-half, stirring constantly.
- Allow the mixture to simmer, then mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and thick, about 3-5 minutes.
- Adjust the flavor of the sauce by adding salt and pepper according to your preference.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, gently tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve it alongside a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to create a well-rounded meal.