Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini Recipe

Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that’s packed with cheesy tortellini, a rich and creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach. This comforting dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or an easy meal to impress guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup for an easy dinner.
• Rich and creamy – A velvety tomato sauce with a hint of garlic.
• Quick and easy – Ready in 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable – Add protein or extra veggies for variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh spinach
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking until softened.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, letting the spinach wilt.
5. Combine with Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing everything together.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
• Extra Creamy: Use more Parmesan or add cream cheese.
• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

What’s the best cheese for this dish?

Parmesan is classic, but you can also use Pecorino Romano or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce thickens over time. Add a bit of cream when reheating.

What type of tomatoes should I use?

Cherry tomatoes work best, but diced Roma or canned tomatoes also work.

How can I make this spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! Ravioli or regular pasta like penne or fettuccine works well.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as thick. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Just make sure your tortellini filling doesn’t contain meat.

Can I use fresh basil instead of spinach?

Basil adds great flavor but won’t replace the texture of spinach. Feel free to add both!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a creamy tomato sauce, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make in just one pan. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home!

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