The Dreamiest Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes Recipe

Crafting a delightful creamy tortellini with tomatoes brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand something special that doesn’t compromise on flavor or simplicity.

Cheese-filled pasta nestled in a rich, velvety sauce creates instant kitchen magic.

Ripe tomatoes add a burst of brightness that makes every bite sing with Mediterranean warmth.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser faster than ordering takeout.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that promises to become your new go-to meal.

Creamy Tortellini With Juicy Tomato Brightness

• Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up this delicious tortellini dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it an incredibly convenient and budget-friendly recipe.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creates a rich, creamy pasta dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with the familiar flavors of cheese, tomatoes, and herbs everyone loves.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customizable by adding protein like chicken or shrimp, or switching to vegetarian ingredients, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and taste buds.

Ingredients for a Creamy Tortellini Tomato Skillet

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that provides the hearty foundation of the dish, fresh or frozen work well, consider cheese-filled variety for extra flavor.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Primary liquid base for creating rich and creamy sauce, choose high-quality olive oil for better taste.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious and smooth texture to the sauce, full-fat version recommended for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and salty richness, freshly grated preferred over pre-packaged.

• Garlic: Brings aromatic depth and pungent flavor, fresh minced garlic recommended.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and freshness to the sauce, canned or fresh tomatoes can work.
• Dried Basil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Spinach: Provides additional nutrients and green color, fresh leaves preferred, can be optional.

• Fresh Basil: Adds final touch of color and fresh herbal note, optional but recommended for presentation.

Tortellini with Tomatoes Creamy Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a big pot of water bubbling with salt.

Drop in tortellini and cook until tender – fresh ones need about 3-4 minutes, frozen ones around 7-8 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic and Tomatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for a minute until fragrant.

Add diced tomatoes and let them simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Create Luscious Cream Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle bubble.

• Heavy cream
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Gently fold cooked tortellini into the creamy mixture.

If using spinach, add it now and let it wilt for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to plates, garnish with fresh basil, and serve piping hot.

Tortellini Pasta Prep with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Cook tortellini just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect chewy consistency.
• Use room temperature heavy cream to help prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
• Swap spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations.
• Toast minced garlic briefly to release deeper, nuttier undertones before adding tomatoes for richer taste depth.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or vegetable broth for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.

Tortellini with Tomatoes Stored Properly

• Store leftover tortellini in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover the pasta with sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Warm the tortellini in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy texture.
• Microwaving can make pasta tough and sauce grainy, so stovetop reheating works best for maintaining flavor and consistency.

Add-Ons for Creamy Tortellini and Tomatoes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the tomato's brightness.
• Enhance with Fresh Side Salad: Create a zesty mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy tortellini and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted Italian bread rubbed with garlic to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Choose a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy, flavorful pasta.

Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes Pasta Twists

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based tortellini filled with cheese or spinach for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini from specialty brands like Cappello's or Jovial.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy sauce texture.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free adaptation that preserves rich flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is tortellini the best pasta for this recipe?

Tortellini works perfectly because its stuffed center adds extra flavor and richness to the creamy sauce. The cheese or meat filling complements the tomato and cream base beautifully.

• Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Fresh Roma or cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe. They hold their shape well and provide a bright, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall dish. Canned diced tomatoes are also a great alternative.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water with a bit of extra seasoning. The key is to maintain the liquid base for creating the creamy sauce. If using water, consider adding a bit more salt or herbs to boost the flavor.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thin?

Simmer the sauce slowly and let it reduce naturally. The cream and Parmesan cheese will help thicken it. If needed, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce to help it set up more quickly.

Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tortellini with tomatoes whisks pasta lovers into a Mediterranean culinary journey. Rich cheese-filled pasta mingles with bright cherry tomatoes, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (566 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach (optional)

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Immerse the tortellini and cook until tender, following package timing guidelines for fresh or frozen varieties. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, releasing its essence into the oil.
3. Incorporate diced tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their juices while stirring intermittently.
4. Pour chicken broth into the tomato mixture, creating a simmering liquid base. Gently blend heavy cream, dried basil, salt, and pepper into the developing sauce.
5. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency.
6. Delicately transfer the cooked tortellini into the sauce, gently coating each piece with the creamy mixture.
7. Fold spinach into the skillet, letting it gracefully wilt and integrate with the pasta and sauce.
8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a uniform, luxurious coating.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding additional salt and pepper as needed to elevate the flavor profile.
10. Plate the creamy tortellini, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer, more authentic flavor that melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Choose cheese tortellini to add extra depth and creaminess to the dish, complementing the tomato base.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that reduces overall calories without sacrificing taste.
• Add protein like cooked chicken or shrimp directly into the sauce to transform this into a complete one-pan meal that satisfies hunger.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg