This creamy tortellini with tomatoes is a comforting, simple, and satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender tortellini and juicy tomatoes creates a perfectly balanced meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy sauce and juicy tomatoes complement the tortellini perfectly.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras like spinach, chicken, or bacon for more variety.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
The full ingredient list with exact measurements is below in the recipe card.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the tomatoes and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Parmesan
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the creamy tortellini in bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks faster and absorbs the sauce better than frozen, but both work well in this recipe.
- Add Spinach: For a pop of color and extra nutrients, toss in a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add Protein: Chicken, shrimp, or bacon can easily be added for more protein.
- Swap the Tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor or swap fresh tomatoes for canned crushed tomatoes if they’re out of season.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream, vegan Parmesan, and plant-based tortellini to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This creamy tortellini pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the creaminess of the sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the tortellini in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of tortellini?
Yes! You can use any flavor of tortellini you like, whether it’s cheese, meat, or vegetable.
2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
While tortellini dishes don’t freeze as well due to the texture of the pasta, you can freeze the sauce separately and combine it with fresh tortellini when reheating.
4. Can I add other veggies to the dish?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would make great additions to this creamy tortellini dish.
Conclusion
This creamy tortellini with tomatoes is a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With its rich, velvety sauce and flavorful tomatoes, it’s a perfect dinner for any occasion. Add your favorite extras to make it your own, and enjoy this comforting, hearty dish!
Print
Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tortellini dish is packed with delicious flavor, featuring cheesy tortellini bathed in a velvety sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of fresh basil. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s quick to prepare yet feels indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3–4 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7–8 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. - Combine Tortellini with Sauce:
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. Stir in the spinach (if using) and let it wilt for about 2 minutes. - Finish the Dish:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired. - Serve:
Divide the creamy tortellini between plates and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh for a more convenient option.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg