Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes

Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes is a comforting one-pan pasta dish made with cheese-filled tortellini, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and fresh herbs. It’s a quick, flavorful dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver—quick, easy, and packed with comforting flavors. The tender tortellini soaks up the creamy tomato sauce beautifully, and you can customize it with greens, proteins, or extra vegetables. It’s satisfying, family-friendly, and perfect for cozy meals with minimal cleanup.

ingredients

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

• Fresh cheese tortellini
• Butter or olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Optional: baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, fresh basil

directions

this recipe

1. In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until combined and smooth.
3. Add fresh tortellini directly into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is tender and heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and optional spinach or tomatoes.
5. Cook another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and greens are wilted. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Add cooked sausage, chicken, or bacon for extra protein
• Stir in spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for color and nutrition
• Use ricotta-spinach tortellini for variety
• Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes
• Top with extra Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesier dish

storage/reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce
• Freezing not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Is it necessary to pre-boil the tortellini?

No, fresh tortellini cooks directly in the sauce.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour for a lighter version.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, if you use cheese-filled tortellini and ensure the tomato sauce is meat-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream alternatives and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a splash of water, cream, or broth while cooking if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce ahead and cook the tortellini fresh when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

Use extra tomato sauce and cook it down slightly for a richer flavor.

What cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago also work well.

What sides go with this dish?

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Creamy Tortellini with Tomatoes is a quick, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. With rich, comforting flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a dish that brings ease and elegance to your dinner table. Customize it to your taste and enjoy a warm, hearty pasta in just minutes.

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