Some days, you just crave a dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket—enter this Easy Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini. It’s a dance of creamy textures and vibrant flavors, all in one pot. (I mean, who has time for more dishes?
) I remember stumbling upon this gem during a frantic weeknight dinner search, and oh, the joy it brought! Why do simple things sometimes taste the most luxurious?
Steps
- Boil a pot of water and cook the tortellini as per the package instructions, then drain. If the tortellini is ready before the sauce, toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, flour, and onion powder, stirring constantly for one minute.
- Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce starts to simmer and thicken slightly.
- Add diced tomatoes, fresh spinach, basil, oregano, and parmesan cheese to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, reduce the heat, and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Combine the drained tortellini with the sauce, adding a little pasta water or milk if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and, if desired, red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- Three Cheese Tortellini
- Butter
- Garlic
- Flour
- Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Diced Tomatoes
- Fresh Spinach
- Fresh Basil
- Fresh Oregano
- Parmesan Cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2900 | Calories from Fat: 1170 | Fat: 130g | Saturated Fat: 65g | Cholesterol: 485mg | Sodium: 3885mg | Potassium: 1995mg | Carbohydrates: 315g | Fiber: 30g | Sugar: 45g | Protein: 120g | Vitamin A: 8550IU | Vitamin C: 53.5mg | Calcium: 1810mg | Iron: 23.5mg
FAQ
- Can I use dried or frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated tortellini for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use dried or frozen tortellini if that is what you have available. However, the refrigerated cheese tortellini tends to have a superior taste and texture.
- What dishes go well with Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini?
- Some great side dishes to serve with this tortellini include breadsticks, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or a mix of roasted zucchini, squash, and tomatoes.
- How long does it take to prepare Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini?
- This dish is quick to prepare, taking about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it ready to serve in approximately 25 minutes.
- Can the sauce be adjusted if it’s too thick?
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit of pasta water or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- Are there other tortellini recipes I might enjoy?
- Certainly! You might also like Creamy Tortellini Minestrone Soup, Creamy Spinach Artichoke Tortellini, Italian Sausage Kale and Tortellini Soup, Tortellini with Pesto and Roasted Veggies, or Tortellini with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Bacon.
Tips
- To prevent the tortellini from sticking together after cooking, toss them with a bit of olive oil if they’re done before the sauce is ready.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for a richer flavor and a smoother sauce, as pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding some reserved pasta water or a splash of milk if needed, ensuring it reaches your desired consistency.
- For an added kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish just before serving.
Equipment
- Large and Deep Skillet or Saucepan – A high-quality skillet or saucepan is essential for preparing the sauce.
- Whisk – Useful for ensuring the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
- Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid – To cook and drain the tortellini efficiently.
- Garlic Press – For easily mincing garlic if you prefer not to chop manually.
