Creamy Tomato Tortellini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Tortellini is a comforting, quick-to-make pasta dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce. It’s perfect for weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying in under 30 minutes. The balance of tangy tomatoes and smooth cream makes it a family favorite.

ingredients

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

cheese tortellinibuttergarlic (minced)crushed tomatoesheavy creamparmesan cheese (grated)Italian seasoningbasil (fresh or dried)salt and pepperred pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce is fully blended and smooth.

Add grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce thickens slightly.

Fold in the cooked tortellini and gently toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serve warm, optionally garnished with more basil and parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Use spinach or mushroom tortellini for added variety.
Add cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken for protein.
Stir in baby spinach or peas for a pop of green.
Use crushed fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just follow the package instructions for boiling before adding to the sauce.

Can I make it without cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

Is it spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes—leave them out if you prefer a mild dish.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, store sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating.

Can I use jarred tomato sauce?
You can, but crushed tomatoes give a fresher flavor. If using jarred sauce, reduce added seasonings accordingly.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Tortellini is an easy, comforting meal that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want something cozy and homemade, this dish brings together cheesy pasta and luscious sauce in perfect harmony.

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