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Easy Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini Recipe photo

Broccoli Alfredo Tortellini Recipe

Creamy Parmesan alfredo tossed with cheese tortellini and tender broccoli for a quick weeknight pasta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • steamer or microwave-safe bowl (if steaming broccoli)
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Steam the broccoli until tender, or cook it in the tortellini boiling water for the last 2–3 minutes; drain both, reserving 1/4 cup of the tortellini cooking liquid before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and cook about 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of nutmeg; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in the half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer; simmer 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce and warm through.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  6. Add the drained tortellini, broccoli, and the reserved 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid to the sauce; stir to combine and cook a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  7. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Frozen broccoli may be substituted; microwave according to package directions.
  • For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes.