Creamy Tomato Tortellini Skillet

$To make creamy tomato tortellini, you need the following: - 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh spinach - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich, creamy dish that is both tasty and easy to prepare. While the dish is great on its own, you can add some fun toppings: - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Extra grated Parmesan cheese - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat These garnishes can elevate the dish and add fresh flavors. If you need to swap out any ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use vegetable broth instead of olive oil for sautéing. - Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream. - Try spinach with kale or arugula for a different green. - Use any type of cheese tortellini you like. These substitutions keep the dish easy and adaptable for your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add salt for flavor. Once the water boils, add 9 oz of cheese tortellini. Follow the package directions for cooking time. Fresh tortellini usually takes 3-5 minutes, while frozen might need a bit longer. When they float, they are ready. Drain them well and set aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good but not brown. This step adds a nice flavor to your dish. Pour in a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes with herbs. Stir well to mix the garlic and tomatoes. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. After that, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer again. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. This cream sauce will be rich and tasty. Now, gently add the drained tortellini into the skillet. Fold them into the creamy tomato sauce. Make sure each piece gets coated. Then, add 1 cup of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Finally, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir until it melts into the sauce. Your creamy tomato tortellini skillet is now ready to enjoy! To make a great creamy tomato sauce, start with good tomatoes. Use canned diced tomatoes with herbs for more flavor. Sauté the garlic first; this brings out its taste. Add the cream slowly, and stir well as it heats. This helps create a smooth sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it longer. You can also add a little pasta water to adjust the texture. When cooking tortellini, use a large pot of boiling water. This helps keep the pasta from sticking together. Follow the package instructions for the best cooking time. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen. Taste a piece to check if it’s done; it should be soft but not mushy. Drain it well, and remember to save some cooking water for the sauce if needed. Serve your creamy tomato tortellini with a side of garlic bread. A fresh salad with greens and a light vinaigrette pairs well too. You can top it with extra Parmesan for a cheesy kick. For a colorful touch, add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for a perfect match! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality diced tomatoes. Fresh ingredients can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth, retaining some cream for richness. Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed garlic for a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce. Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in your creamy tomato tortellini skillet by adding meat. Chicken works great. Simply cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding the garlic. Ground turkey or beef also adds flavor. For a quick option, use cooked sausage. Just slice it and mix it in with the tortellini. For a vegetarian twist, you can skip the meat and add more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan. This keeps the dish creamy and rich without dairy. Adding herbs and spices can take your dish to the next level. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also use oregano or thyme for a savory touch. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a spicy kick. Don't forget to taste as you go to find your perfect balance! To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Label your container with the date for easy tracking. When you are ready to eat, reheat the dish in a skillet. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often over medium heat until warm. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to separate the tortellini and sauce if possible. This helps keep the texture better when you thaw it. To cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as noted above. Yes, you can use dried tortellini. Just remember that cooking times will change. Dried tortellini usually takes longer to cook than fresh. Check the package for exact times. It is best to cook it until it is tender. Then, you can follow the rest of the recipe as usual. To spice up your creamy tomato tortellini skillet, try adding red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and add more if you like. You can also use spicy sausage or jalapeños for heat. If you love bold flavors, consider adding a dash of hot sauce. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you want a lighter option, you can use whole milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or almond milk. They both add creaminess. However, keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly. You can also blend silken tofu for a creamy texture without dairy. This blog post guides you through making a creamy tortellini dish. We covered ingredients, preparation steps, tips for success, and variations to suit your taste. You now know how to store and reheat leftovers, making meals easy. Remember, you can adjust recipes with different proteins or spices. Everyone can enjoy this dish with vegetarian and vegan options. Now, get cooking and impress your family with your tasty creation!$

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Skillet

A delicious and easy one-pan dish featuring cheese tortellini in a creamy tomato sauce with spinach and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz can diced tomatoes with herbs
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh spinach
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, boil water and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to combine with the garlic. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well.
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently fold into the creamy tomato mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until melted and well incorporated.
Adjust seasoning as necessary, then serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Fresh basil leaves can be used for garnish.

Keyword creamy, quick meal, skillet, tomato, tortellini