Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy cheese tortellini, where each bite promises a perfect blend of tender pasta, rich Parmesan, and silky cream sauce. This restaurant-quality dish isn't just another weeknight meal—it's a culinary shortcut that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a cooking novice, or a comfort food enthusiast, this creamy tortellini recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all ingredients: mince the garlic cloves, chop the spinach, and grate the Parmesan cheese if not already prepared.
- Fill a large skillet or sauté pan with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 7-9 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and floating.
- While the tortellini are cooking, drain them carefully using a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir, allowing it to warm and slightly simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked tortellini back into the cream sauce, gently stirring to coat each piece evenly.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously to help the cheese melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add the chopped spinach and continue stirring until the spinach wilts and becomes bright green, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Plate the tortellini immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- Use fresh garlic and mince it finely to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Keep the heat on medium-low when adding cream to prevent scorching.
- Stir continuously when adding cheese to help it melt smoothly and prevent clumping.
- Don't overcook the spinach; you want it just wilted to maintain its bright green color and nutritional value.
- For extra richness, consider using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 471kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
