Pan Fried Tortellini and Broccoli

Ingredients

• Frozen tortellini: plus a little butter for pan frying.
• Fresh broccoli
• Mashed garlic: cooks and tastes better than minced garlic in this recipe. Roasted garlic is another flavorful option.
• Sweet onion
• Parmesan cheese: grated or shredded both work here.
• Olive oil: use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

I find pan fried tortellini to be best when cooked in butter, drizzled with olive oil, and then tossed with salt and pepper. Of course, you can't forget to sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, because no pasta is complete without it. These light and simple ingredients really let the cheesy flavor of the tortellini shine.

Can I Use Fresh Tortellini?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini. They will cook a little quicker than frozen tortellini.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh and is a great time-saving option.

For the best texture:

• Don't thaw it first. Add the frozen broccoli directly to the pot during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, depending on the size of the florets.
• If you're making a skillet dish, you can also steam the broccoli separately and stir it in just before serving.
• Avoid overcooking, as frozen broccoli can become soft and mushy more quickly than fresh.

Can I Add Chicken Or Sausage?

Absolutely! Adding a protein makes tortellini and broccoli a heartier, more filling meal.

Some delicious options include:

• Chicken: Stir in cooked, diced or shredded chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts.
• Italian sausage: Brown mild or hot Italian sausage, drain any excess grease, and mix it into the finished dish.
• Chicken sausage: A lighter option that pairs well with garlic, Parmesan, and broccoli.
• Turkey sausage: Another lean, flavorful alternative.

If you're cooking the protein from raw, prepare it first, then continue with the recipe and add the cooked tortellini and broccoli at the end. This keeps the pasta tender and ensures all the flavors come together beautifully.

Instructions

1. In a large pan, saute the chopped broccoli and red onions in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, tossing a few times. I chop the broccoli on the small side so that it cooks faster.
2. While the broccoli cooks, combine the garlic cloves and salt in a garlic masher. Mash the garlic well and then add to the pan, cooking for another minute.
3. Remove the broccoli, onions and garlic to a serving bowl. Add the butter to the pan. When melted add the tortellini to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, tossing a few times so all sides become golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove tortellini from pan and add to the bowl of broccoli. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle individual serving bowls with parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• If your family isn't big on broccoli, you can easily substitute other vegetables they do love. Zucchini, green beans, peas, asparagus, spinach, winter squash, and cauliflower would all work great without changing the cooking time.
• Add rotisserie chicken to make it non-vegetarian.

How To Store

Fried tortellini and broccoli keeps well in the fridge for about a week. It reheats in the microwave well too, without causing the tortellini to lose much crispness.