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Creamy Tomato Tortellini Recipe

4.6 from 425 reviews

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.

Ingredients

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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