Description
Creamy Tortellini is a warm, comforting pasta dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, it offers rich flavors with hints of herbs, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions. This versatile dish can be customized with vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 9–12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
- Sauté garlic in butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add finely chopped garlic. Cook gently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes—be careful not to burn it to keep the flavor mellow and sweet.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add parmesan and seasonings: Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to incorporate all flavors.
- Combine tortellini and sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency.
- Finish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness.
Notes
- Don’t overcook tortellini to keep it firm and prevent mushiness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding pasta water bit by bit as needed.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to avoid splitting or curdling.
- Finely mince or grate garlic to ensure a smooth sauce without harsh bites.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: thirty six grams
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Creamy tortellini, easy pasta, comfort food, Italian dinner, creamy sauce, cheese tortellini