Lemon Broccoli Tortellini Recipe

Lemon Broccoli Tortellini is a vibrant and delicious pasta dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese-filled tortellini with the zesty brightness of lemon and the tender crunch of broccoli. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or as a showstopper for gatherings. With its refreshing flavor and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
2. Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
3. Nutritious: Packed with the goodness of broccoli and a burst of fresh lemon flavor.
4. Customizable: Easily adaptable with additional vegetables, proteins, or vegan options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions.
3. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the tortellini. This step ensures the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
4. Drain the tortellini and broccoli, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, allowing the flavors to meld for about 30 seconds.
4. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Tortellini and Sauce

1. Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss gently to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the creamy lemon sauce.
3. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the Lemon Broccoli Tortellini to serving bowls or a large platter.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a few lemon slices for an elegant presentation.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Adding it in the last 2 minutes of cooking ensures it remains crisp-tender and retains its bright green color.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps thin the sauce and binds it to the tortellini.
3. Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are key to achieving the bright, tangy flavor.
4. Grate Your Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often has anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture.

Variations

Add Protein

• Chicken: Add grilled or rotisserie chicken for a hearty twist.
• Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in garlic and olive oil and toss it in with the pasta.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian protein, add pan-seared tofu cubes.

Add More Veggies

• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
• Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for a savory addition.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.

Vegan Option

• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
• Use vegan tortellini and dairy-free Parmesan substitutes.

Pairing Suggestions

Sides

• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
• Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.

Drinks

• White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the zesty lemon notes.
• Non-Alcoholic: Lemonade or sparkling water with a splash of lime works well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What’s the Best Parmesan to Use?

A high-quality block of Parmesan (like Parmigiano-Reggiano) delivers the best flavor and texture.

How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free tortellini and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before tossing with freshly cooked tortellini and broccoli.

Conclusion

This Lemon Broccoli Tortellini Recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, zesty, and wholesome flavors. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will bring sunshine to your plate every time.

Yield: 4

Lemon Broccoli Tortellini Recipe

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Lemon Broccoli Tortellini is a vibrant and delicious pasta dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese-filled tortellini with the zesty brightness of lemon and the tender crunch of broccoli. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or as a showstopper for gatherings. With its refreshing flavor and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a household favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions.
2. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté the Garlic

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

3. Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

1. Pour the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet. Stir to combine.
2. Add the lemon zest and juice, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve

1. Transfer the tortellini to plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Notes

• Tortellini options: Cheese tortellini works best, but feel free to experiment with spinach or chicken-filled varieties.
• Broccoli texture: Cook the broccoli for a shorter time if you prefer it crisp-tender.
• Add protein: For a heartier dish, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.