This comforting and delicious dish of creamy tortellini with tomatoes is the perfect choice for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. Rooted in the heart of Italian cuisine, tortellini is a small ring-shaped pasta typically stuffed with cheese or meat. In this recipe, the tender cheese tortellini is smothered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with fresh spinach and a burst of flavors from roasted red peppers and fragrant herbs. This is a meal that brings warmth, and familiarity, and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’ve grown up enjoying classic Italian fare or you’re simply seeking comfort food, this creamy tortellini dish delivers both nostalgia and satisfaction. It’s a recipe that is easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Indulgently creamy: The rich sauce clings to every bite, satisfying any craving for comfort food.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Simple pantry staples come together to create a dish that tastes gourmet.
- Versatile: While cheese tortellini is the star, you can easily adapt the ingredients to suit what’s in your fridge.
- Family-friendly: It’s a meal that pleases both kids and adults, with its cheesy pasta and creamy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive or avocado oil: To sauté the aromatics and add depth to the flavor.
- Shallot: Adds a sweet, mild onion flavor that blends beautifully with the garlic.
- Garlic: Essential for building the base flavor of the sauce.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes burst with flavor and create a fresh, slightly tangy contrast to the creaminess.
- Roasted red peppers: Adds a smoky sweetness that elevates the sauce without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that intensifies the sauce and gives it a rich base.
- Dried basil and Italian seasoning: Classic herbs that complement the tomatoes and add an aromatic finish to the dish.
- Heavy cream: This forms the base of the creamy sauce, providing richness and thickness.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty and savory, this cheese melts into the sauce, thickening it and adding that irresistible flavor.
- Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a nutritious boost.
- Cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, these little pasta pockets are filled with a creamy cheese mixture that perfectly complements the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and let them cook until they start to soften and burst, about 5-7 minutes. Gently press some of the tomatoes with a spoon to release their juices and help form the base of the sauce.
- Add roasted red peppers and tomato paste: Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and tomato paste, allowing everything to meld together for another 2 minutes.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate the tomato mixture into the cream. Simmer the sauce for 5-8 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Finish with cheese and greens: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted into the sauce. Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
- Combine with tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece of pasta with the creamy tomato mixture.
- Serve: Top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or vegetable broth to loosen it up without losing the creamy texture.
- Freshness counts: Use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for the best flavor, and don’t skip the roasted red peppers—they add a subtle depth that takes this dish to another level.
- Cheese selection: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
Helpful Tips
- Substitutions: Feel free to switch out spinach for kale or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.
- Tortellini variety: While cheese tortellini is traditional in this recipe, you can swap it for spinach or mushroom tortellini for different flavor profiles.
- Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding salt, as Parmesan can be quite salty on its own.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian (depending on the tortellini filling)
Notes
- If you’re looking for an even quicker version, you can use store-bought jarred roasted red peppers. Just make sure to drain them before adding to the skillet.
- Leftovers reheat well, though you may need to add a little extra cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.
- Freezer: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This creamy tortellini with tomatoes delivers the best of Italian comfort food in a simple, approachable recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a solo night in, it brings warmth and flavor to the table in no time. With its rich sauce and satisfying cheese-filled pasta, this dish is bound to become a new household favorite. Enjoy!
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Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes
Description
This comforting and delicious dish of creamy tortellini with tomatoes is the perfect choice for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. Rooted in the heart of Italian cuisine, tortellini is a small ring-shaped pasta typically stuffed with cheese or meat. In this recipe, the tender cheese tortellini is smothered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with fresh spinach and a burst of flavors from roasted red peppers and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients
- Olive or Avocado Oil: Perfect for sautéing the aromatics and tomatoes, adding a depth of flavor.
- Shallot and Garlic: These form the aromatic base, infusing the dish with savory depth.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are crucial for adding sweetness and a slight tang to balance the creaminess.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Bring a smoky, robust flavor to the dish.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated tomato richness that intensifies the flavor of the sauce.
- Dried Basil and Italian Seasoning: These dried herbs bring classic Italian flavors to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The foundation of the creamy sauce, it gives the dish its rich, velvety texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty, it balances the creaminess and adds a lovely finish.
- Fresh Spinach: A nutritious addition that adds color and freshness.
- Cooked Cheese Tortellini: These pasta pillows are hearty, comforting, and perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce.
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced shallots and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Toss in the cherry or grape tomatoes, allowing them to cook until they begin to blister and soften. Gently crush some of the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to release their juices, which will help form the base of your sauce.
- Add the Peppers and Paste: Stir in the roasted red peppers and tomato paste. The tomato paste will give the sauce a deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in your dried basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add heavy cream, stirring constantly as the sauce thickens. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Next, add fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.
- Combine with Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the tortellini to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.