Creamy Tomato Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
This creamy tomato tortellini is a comforting and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With a rich tomato sauce enhanced by Parmesan and fresh basil, it delivers delicious flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, sauté garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until combined. Add tortellini and stir to coat.
- Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh tortellini for an even better texture and flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
- Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well; just adjust the cooking time as directed on the package.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
PrintCreamy Tomato Tortellini Recipe
This Creamy Tomato Tortellini is a comforting and quick Italian-inspired dish featuring tender refrigerated tortellini tossed in a rich and flavorful tomato cream sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is garnished with fresh basil for an aromatic, fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing garlic)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle the Italian seasoning into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow it to simmer gently for another 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in step 3 for a little heat.
- For a vegetarian diet, ensure the tortellini is cheese-filled and contains no meat.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: creamy tomato tortellini, easy Italian pasta, quick tortellini recipe, creamy pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta dish
