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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, releasing its essence into the oil.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their juices while stirring intermittently.
- 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.
- Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency.
- Delicately transfer the cooked tortellini into the sauce, gently coating each piece with the creamy mixture.
- Fold spinach into the skillet, letting it gracefully wilt and integrate with the pasta and sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a uniform, luxurious coating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding additional salt and pepper as needed to elevate the flavor profile.
- 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