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Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini Recipe

Creamy Alfredo sauce coats cheese tortellini and tender broccoli for a quick, comforting weeknight meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups broccoli florets cut into fairly small pieces
  • 12 ounce refrigerated cheese tortellini one 12-ounce package
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Steam the broccoli until tender, or add the broccoli to the tortellini pot for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking; cook tortellini according to package directions and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid before draining.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of nutmeg; cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the drained tortellini and cooked broccoli to the skillet along with up to 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; stir to combine and cook a few minutes more to thicken the sauce and heat through.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Notes

  • Frozen broccoli can be used; microwave according to package directions before adding.
  • For more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.