Description
This Creamy Cheese Tortellini recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, garlicky cream sauce, accented with Italian seasonings and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes for frozen tortellini and slightly less for fresh. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later use, then drain the tortellini and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a light simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Finish the Dish: Add the cooked tortellini to the cream sauce, stirring to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve: Transfer the creamy tortellini to a serving dish or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Tortellini Selection: Opt for high-quality refrigerated tortellini for the best flavor and texture. Cheese tortellini works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with other fillings like spinach or meat.
- Cream Sauce Tips: For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a full-bodied milk. If you enjoy extra flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of white wine can be added with the garlic to deepen the sauce’s complexity.
- Cheese Recommendations: Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for its superior melt and flavor. However, for a different taste profile, try blending Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
- Storage Advice: If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently, adding a little milk or water to thin the sauce as needed.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to absorb the delicious sauce and a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Customization Options: This recipe is versatile. Add vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added texture and flavor. For a non-vegetarian twist, cooked chicken strips or pancetta can be incorporated into the dish before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 329 per serving
