If you’re dreaming of something ultra-comforting and outrageously quick, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite pasta: Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini. Each pillowy bite of cheesy tortellini is coated in a velvety tomato sauce, kissed with cream, and perfumed by sweet basil. It’s hearty, luscious, pretty enough for a special night, but simple enough to whip together on the busiest weekday. Trust me, once you try Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini, it’ll become a dinner staple you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with a small cast of everyday ingredients—each one plays a unique part in making this pasta so irresistible. From the rich tomatoes and gentle cream to the burst of fresh basil, these pantry staples transform into a heartwarming dish in no time.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps bring all the flavors together while softening the garlic perfectly.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant, savory depth that’s absolutely essential for a cozy Italian-inspired sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce! Choose a quality can for the brightest, boldest tomato flavor.
- Heavy cream: Swirls beautifully with the tomatoes to create an irresistibly creamy and silky sauce.
- Dried or fresh basil: Fresh basil will brighten up the dish, but dried works wonderfully in a pinch—use whichever you have!
- Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings round out and enhance all the existing flavors—taste as you go for perfection.
- Cheese tortellini: The star of the show! The cheesy filling inside these bite-sized pasta makes every mouthful extra luscious.
- Shredded mozzarella or Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a perfectly gooey, cheesy finish—use your favorite or a blend for even more flavor.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A little sprinkle of chopped basil adds color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma at the very end.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute until fragrant. This brief sauté pulls out loads of aroma and flavor, setting the perfect base for the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini sauce without letting the garlic burn.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well with the garlic. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer—it’ll quickly fill your kitchen with that classic Italian tomato scent that’s impossible to resist. At this stage, add in the heavy cream, basil, a pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce turns a beautiful blush color and simmers gently.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini Right In the Sauce
This is where the magic happens! Scoot the cheese tortellini straight into the creamy tomato sauce. No need for a separate pot or boiling water—the tortellini will soak up all the flavor as it cooks. Allow the mixture to simmer (low and slow) for 5 to 7 minutes until the tortellini are tender and piping hot throughout.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Once the tortellini are cooked, sprinkle in your mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick, creamy, and clinging luxuriously to each tortellini. If you prefer it extra cheesy, don’t hesitate to add a bit more at this stage—you’re in charge here!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and, if you have it, scatter some freshly chopped basil on top. That final garnish not only adds a pop of color but wakes up all the other flavors. Your Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini is now ready to be devoured, hot and fresh from the pan!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and a dusting of shredded Parmesan bring a lovely fresh note and a bit of elegance to your bowl. For a gorgeous finish, a crack of black pepper or a tiny drizzle of olive oil elevates every plate of Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini to restaurant-worthy status.
Side Dishes
This dish is seriously satisfying on its own, but if you want to make a meal of it, pair your Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread. Roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini also play nicely alongside, adding color and extra nutrition to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or looking for something special, try serving the tortellini in shallow bowls topped with a swirl of cream and a basil leaf. For family-style dining, transfer it straight from the skillet to the dinner table—just set out plenty of spoons for scooping up all that luscious sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), scoop any extra Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen a bit overnight, making the next-day portions just as mouthwatering.
Freezing
To freeze, let the tortellini cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. The creamy sauce might separate slightly when thawed, but giving it a good stir as it reheats will bring it back together. For best results, enjoy within two months.
Reheating
Gently reheat the tortellini in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems extra thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen things back up—your Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini will be as creamy as day one!
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works well in this recipe; just add a minute or two to the simmering time to ensure the pasta is cooked through. No need to thaw before adding—just pop them straight into the sauce.
What’s the best cream to use for the sauce?
Heavy cream will give you the richest, silkiest sauce, but half-and-half works in a pinch. Avoid using milk, as it won’t give your Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini the same decadent texture.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely—it’s already vegetarian as written! Just double-check the cheese tortellini and shredded cheese ingredients to ensure they don’t use animal rennet, if that’s a concern for you.
My sauce is too thick—what should I do?
If your sauce thickens too much (sometimes tortellini will soak up extra liquid), simply add a splash of cream, milk, or even a bit of reserved pasta water if you have some. Stir and warm through until it reaches your preferred consistency.
What protein can I add for a heartier meal?
For extra protein, toss in some cooked shredded chicken, sautéed Italian sausage, or even a can of drained white beans. Each will pair deliciously with the creamy tomato and basil flavors without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dish that’s every bit as comforting as a warm hug, you need to give Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini a place on your dinner table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—yet requires barely any fuss in the kitchen. Try it out and let this cozy classic become your new go-to for effortless, satisfying dinners!
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Delicious Recipe
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini is a dreamy, one-pan pasta dish that brings together pillowy cheese tortellini, a luscious tomato cream sauce, and fragrant basil. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution that’s both comforting and delightfully flavorful.
Ingredients
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce come together, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are heated through and tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the tortellini and stir well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, top with freshly chopped basil if desired, and serve hot for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, add more cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the end.
- Fresh basil brings a vibrant flavor—add just before serving for best results.
- Use frozen tortellini if that’s what you have; just adjust cooking time as needed.
- For a vegetarian twist, ensure the Parmesan is vegetarian or use mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired