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- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - Vegetable broth - Heavy cream For this dish, I love using cheese tortellini. You can choose fresh or frozen. Both options work well. The vegetable broth adds a nice depth of flavor. Heavy cream brings a rich, smooth texture that makes this meal feel special. - Garlic - Italian seasoning - Grated Parmesan cheese Garlic is a must in this recipe. It offers great aroma and taste. I use Italian seasoning to give the dish an herby kick. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty profile that elevates the dish. - Baby spinach - Fresh basil for garnish - Salt and pepper I often add baby spinach for color and nutrition. Fresh basil at the end gives a lovely hint of freshness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. You can adjust these to your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Bring vegetable broth to a simmer. Use a large pot and heat the broth over medium heat. Watch as it starts to bubble gently. This is the perfect time to add your tortellini. 2. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Add the tortellini to the simmering broth. If using fresh, it will take about 3-5 minutes. For frozen, check the package for timing. You want it al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite. 1. Sauté garlic in olive oil. In a separate skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. 2. Incorporate heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Once the garlic smells great, stir in the heavy cream. Add the Italian seasoning too. Let this cook for 2-3 minutes. It should thicken a bit, making a rich sauce. 1. Transfer tortellini to the cream sauce. Use a slotted spoon to take the tortellini out of the broth. Place it directly into the skillet with the cream sauce. This keeps it nice and creamy. 2. Add spinach and Parmesan cheese, toss well. Now, toss in the chopped spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything gently. You’ll see the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into the sauce. Make sure the tortellini is well coated. To check if your tortellini is done, look for a slight spring when you bite it. Al dente means it should have a little firmness. Fresh tortellini cooks in about 3-5 minutes. Frozen may take a bit longer, around 7-9 minutes. Always follow the package for best results. When making the creamy sauce, don’t rush it. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth. This keeps the sauce silky and smooth. For a great visual, serve your creamy tortellini in shallow bowls. Drizzle some broth sauce over each serving. This adds color and makes it look inviting. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Not only does it taste good, but it also makes the dish pop with vibrant green. A little goes a long way! Feel free to adjust the seasonings. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a zesty kick, a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders. Consider pairing your tortellini with a simple side salad or garlic bread. These sides balance the richness of the dish and make it a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful dinner delight! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tortellini and high-quality cheese will elevate the dish's flavor and texture. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with additional vegetable broth. Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth. Perfect Garnish: A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese right before serving enhances presentation and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the tortellini or pasta. Use spinach or mushroom tortellini for a twist. Or try penne or fusilli for a different shape. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. These swaps keep the dish tasty and fun while catering to your needs. Adding other greens boosts nutrition. Kale, arugula, or zucchini work well in this dish. You can also toss in bell peppers or carrots for color and crunch. In summer, use fresh tomatoes or corn for sweetness. In winter, consider roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. Seasonal veggies really make this dish shine. Want to make it heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage pairs great with tortellini. Cook the chicken in the skillet before adding the cream. For shrimp, add them with the tortellini for a quick cook. If you prefer sausage, slice it and brown it in the skillet first. These protein options make for a filling and satisfying dinner. To store creamy tortellini, follow these steps: - Let the dish cool to room temperature. - Transfer it to an airtight container. - Place it in the fridge. Creamy tortellini lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. To reheat creamy tortellini without losing its texture, use one of these methods: - Stovetop: Place the tortellini in a skillet. Add a splash of broth or cream. Heat over low until warmed through. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little liquid. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If the dish feels dry, you can refresh it with more broth or cream. This helps to restore its creamy goodness. Yes, you can freeze creamy tortellini! Here’s how: - Cool the dish completely. - Use a freezer-safe container or bag. - Label it with the date and contents. To defrost, move it to the fridge for a few hours. You can also use the microwave. Reheat slowly to keep the texture nice. It takes about 15 minutes to make creamy tortellini. You need 5 minutes to prep. Cooking the tortellini takes about 3 to 5 minutes. While the tortellini cooks, you can make the cream sauce. This quick meal is perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it a bit longer than fresh. Check the package for exact times. The key is to make sure it cooks through. You may need to add a splash of broth to the sauce if it gets too thick. Creamy tortellini pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Roasted asparagus These sides add color and flavor. They make your meal more balanced and fun! This blog post covered how to make creamy tortellini. We discussed the main ingredients, like cheese tortellini, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. You learned step-by-step how to cook and combine these flavors. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and ideas for variations and storage. In the end, creamy tortellini is a simple, tasty meal. Enjoy making it your own with added veggies or protein. Happy cooking!

Minute Creamy Tortellini

A quick and creamy tortellini dish made with cheese tortellini, spinach, and a rich cream sauce.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 oz cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Add the tortellini to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Once the tortellini is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it directly from the broth into the skillet with the cream sauce.
  • Add the chopped baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, gently tossing everything together until the spinach is wilted.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the remaining broth to loosen it.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with fresh basil for garnish.
Keyword creamy, pasta, quick meal, tortellini