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Creamy Tortellini

Creamy Tortellini

Creamy Tortellini is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini combined with a rich, velvety cream sauce enhanced by Parmesan cheese, garlic, and optional fresh spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of flavor and ease, ideal for busy weeknights or serving guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute, to release its full flavor.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese slowly, allowing it to melt smoothly into the cream, creating a silky sauce.
  4. Season and Enhance: Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Toss in fresh spinach now if you want a pop of green and let it wilt gently within the sauce.
  5. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini back into the skillet. Toss gently to ensure every piece is coated in the rich creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
  6. Serve Immediately: Once combined and heated through, transfer creamy tortellini to plates or bowls and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh tortellini if possible for the best tender texture.
  • Keep tortellini al dente to avoid mushiness once mixed with sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without losing creaminess.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for superior melting and flavor.
  • Simmer sauce over medium heat to prevent curdling of cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tortellini, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, Italian pasta, cheesy tortellini