13 Easy Tortellini Recipes You’ll Love! Recipe
This creamy tomato tortellini recipe features tender refrigerated tortellini simmered in a flavorful sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing garlic)
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle the Italian seasoning into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the tomato mixture. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Toss Tortellini in Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your preferred taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for this recipe; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add cooked spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: tortellini recipe, creamy tomato pasta, easy Italian dinner, quick tortellini sauce, vegetarian pasta dish