Go Back
To make Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini, you need these fresh and flavorful ingredients: - Cheese Tortellini (12 oz, fresh or frozen) - Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) - Garlic (3 cloves, minced) - Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz) - Heavy Cream (1 cup) - Fresh Basil (1 cup, chopped) - Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon) - Salt and Pepper (to taste) - Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) - Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and satisfying dish. The cheese tortellini serves as a perfect base, while garlic adds a warm aroma. Crushed tomatoes bring a sweet tang that pairs well with heavy cream, making the sauce creamy and dreamy. Fresh basil adds a bright touch, and Parmesan cheese gives it a savory kick. Using fresh ingredients shines through in every bite. You can customize it based on what you have. This dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a go-to for any weeknight meal. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This makes the tortellini taste better. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set them aside. Next, it's time to make the sauce. In the same pot, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell nice but not burn. After that, pour in one 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This warms up the tomatoes. Lower the heat, then add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Now, we add flavor. Toss in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Finally, gently add the cooked tortellini to the sauce. Toss them so they are fully coated. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. If you need, adjust the seasoning. Serve the creamy tortellini hot, garnished with extra basil leaves if you like. To get the best tortellini, don’t overcook it. Follow the package instructions closely. Cook until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. If you use fresh tortellini, it cooks faster than frozen. Fresh tortellini takes about 3 to 5 minutes, while frozen can take 5 to 7 minutes. Always taste a piece to check doneness before draining. Fresh herbs bring a bright taste to your dish. I love using fresh basil in this recipe. It adds a nice aroma and flavor. Chop the basil right before you add it to the sauce. This keeps it fresh. Don’t forget to taste as you cook. Adding salt and pepper to your liking makes a big difference. If you want a stronger flavor, add a bit more Italian seasoning. Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini pairs well with a simple side salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. For plate presentation, use a big spoon to twirl the tortellini. Top with extra basil and Parmesan cheese. This makes your dish look beautiful and inviting. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also replace heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. These swaps still give you a rich flavor without any animal products. You can serve this dish as a cold pasta salad. Cook the tortellini, let it cool, and mix it with the creamy sauce. Chill it in the fridge for a refreshing summer meal. Another idea is to bake it as a casserole. Place the tortellini and sauce in a dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Want to add protein? Try mixing in cooked chicken or shrimp. This will make the dish more filling. If you like heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top. This small change adds a nice kick to your meal. To store your creamy tomato basil tortellini, use an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the tortellini. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When it comes to reheating, the best method is using the stovetop. Place the tortellini in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to help rehydrate it. Stir gently, and heat until warm. Avoid using the microwave if possible. Microwaving can make the tortellini mushy. If you must use a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. In the fridge, your creamy tomato basil tortellini can stay fresh for three days. After that, check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color or strange smells. If the tortellini becomes slimy or has an off flavor, it's best to toss it. Always trust your senses. Keeping your food safe is important! It takes about 25 minutes in total. The prep time is about 10 minutes. Cooking the tortellini and making the sauce takes around 15 minutes. You can have a warm, tasty dish ready in no time! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the tortellini and make the sauce separately. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Just heat the sauce and toss in the tortellini before serving. This helps the flavors blend well. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free option. These substitutes will change the taste slightly but still create a creamy texture. This blog post highlights how to make a delicious creamy tomato basil tortellini dish. We covered every step, from cooking the tortellini to preparing a rich sauce. You learned tips for perfecting the texture and flavor. We also explored fun variations and how to store leftovers effectively. Try this dish for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. You won't be disappointed with the rich flavors and ease of preparation. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this creamy tomato basil tortellini recipe! Quick and easy to make, this dish features tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a rich, tomato-cream sauce, packed with fresh basil and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a meal everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner routine!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Make the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well, cooking for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring until fully combined and the sauce is creamy.

        Season: Add the chopped basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

          Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Gently add the cooked tortellini into the creamy tomato sauce, tossing to ensure all the tortellini is coated.

            Finishing Touch: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve: Plate the creamy tortellini, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4