Description
Delectable spinach tomato tortellini dances with rich, velvety sauce that promises comfort and flavor in every twirling bite. Weeknight dinners or casual gatherings will sparkle with this quick, satisfying Italian-inspired pasta dish you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 package (20 ounces/567 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Liquid:
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook the tortellini until they float to the surface and reach al dente consistency, ensuring they’re tender yet firm.
- While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Introduce minced garlic to the heated oil, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds without browning.
- Gently tumble cherry tomatoes into the skillet, letting them softly break down and caramelize for 2-3 minutes, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
- Stream heavy cream and broth into the skillet, creating a luxurious liquid foundation for the sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, creating a velvety texture, and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to build complex flavor layers.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a luscious consistency that will perfectly coat the pasta.
- Fold fresh spinach leaves into the simmering sauce, watching them delicately wilt and integrate into the creamy mixture.
- Introduce the perfectly cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each pasta pillow is lavishly coated with the aromatic sauce.
- Finish by adding a pat of butter for extra richness and glossiness, stirring to create a uniform, appetizing coating.
- Plate the tortellini, garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves and an elegant sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a final touch of sophistication.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality tortellini for the best flavor and texture, ensuring a delightful base for your creamy dish.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains a rich, satisfying consistency.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing personalization for spice-sensitive palates or those craving extra kick.
- Create a vegetarian-friendly meal by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, maintaining the recipe’s depth and complexity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg