Craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the comfort of cheesy tortellini with a spicy kick? Look no further! This Spicy Skillet Tortellini with Tomatoes is about to become your new favorite 25-minute dinner sensation. Imagine tender pasta pillows dancing in a vibrant tomato sauce, punctuated with the perfect hint of red pepper flakes that will make your taste buds tingle with excitement. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this recipe promises to transform your weeknight dinner from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini (about 9 ounces)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 package of tortellini (about 9 ounces), 2 cups of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- While the tortellini is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat for about a minute until it shimmers.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You want the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss everything together carefully to coat the tortellini in the flavorful sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the spicy skillet tortellini to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your Spicy Skillet Tortellini with Tomatoes while it's hot!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Tortellini: Watch carefully and remove from boiling water as soon as they float to the surface to maintain a perfect al dente texture.
- Garlic Management: Sauté garlic quickly and at medium heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired.
- Fresh Basil is Key: Add basil leaves just before serving to maintain their bright flavor and aromatic quality.
- One-Pan Convenience: This recipe minimizes cleanup with its simple skillet method.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a complete meal. Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
