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
Scale
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg