Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

$To make a delicious creamy spinach tortellini skillet, you'll need these fresh ingredients: - 9 oz fresh tortellini (cheese-filled) - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each item adds flavor and texture to this easy weeknight meal. Fresh tortellini gives a soft bite, while the spinach adds color and nutrients. Heavy cream creates that rich, creamy sauce we all love. Garlic brings warmth, and Italian seasoning adds depth. Parmesan cheese provides a savory finish. You can adjust salt and pepper to your taste, and red pepper flakes can give a fun kick. Don’t forget the fresh basil for a pop of flavor on top! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Make sure to add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fresh tortellini. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. You want the tortellini to be al dente, which means firm to the bite. Drain the tortellini well and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Set your heat to medium and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You will know it’s ready when you can smell its lovely aroma. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can taste bitter. Now, it's time to make the cream sauce. Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. This should take just a minute or two. Next, add 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes now. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to mix in the tortellini. Gently add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta well in the creamy sauce. Gradually add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of pasta water to loosen it up. Always taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Now for the fun part—serving! Use a large spoon to transfer the creamy tortellini onto plates or into a serving dish. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top. This makes the dish look inviting and adds extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! To cook tortellini just right, aim for al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions closely. Usually, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes in boiling water. When draining the tortellini, use a colander. Shake it gently to get rid of excess water. Avoid rinsing the pasta. Rinsing can wash away flavor and starch. To make your sauce creamier, consider adding cream cheese or mascarpone. These ingredients boost richness without overpowering the dish. You can also mix in a little butter for extra gloss. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps loosen it while keeping the flavor intact. Stir well to ensure everything blends smoothly. For a beautiful dish, focus on color and texture. Serve the tortellini in a deep bowl or a wide plate. This creates space for the sauce to pool around the pasta. Garnishing is key. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of green. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can enhance both flavor and look. You might even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tortellini and spinach will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Opt for high-quality cheese-filled tortellini for the best results. Tip Title: Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or milk. This will reduce the richness while maintaining flavor. Tip Title: Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and taste of the dish. Tip Title: Perfect Pasta Cooking: Ensure your pasta is al dente for the best texture. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce. {{image_2}} You can change the tortellini filling. Try mushroom, spinach, or even a meat option. This gives you new tastes. For a dairy-free choice, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This still offers a rich flavor. You can also find dairy-free cheese for a nice twist. Want to boost your meal? Add protein! Chicken works great. Just cook it in the skillet before adding other ingredients. Shrimp is quick to cook and adds a nice touch. Bacon gives a crunchy, salty kick. Just remember to cook it crisp first. Keep in mind cooking times vary, so adjust as needed. To make your dish pop, add more herbs. Thyme or oregano can brighten the taste. You might even try fresh parsley for a different flavor. Mixing in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms adds nutrition and color. Just sauté them with garlic for that full flavor. To keep your creamy spinach tortellini fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Make sure the dish is cool before sealing. In the fridge, it will last about 3 days. After that, the taste and texture can change. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. The best way is to use a skillet on low heat. Stir often to warm evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or cream. This will help avoid sogginess and keep the sauce creamy. You can freeze creamy spinach tortellini for later meals. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will stay good for about 2-3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best flavor. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. The cooking time will change slightly. Cook it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes longer than fresh tortellini. Always check the package for exact times. Frozen tortellini may also need a few extra minutes to heat through in the sauce. Just keep an eye on it as it cooks. Creamy spinach tortellini pairs well with several side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy side. - A simple green salad to add freshness. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. - A light tomato soup for a warm touch. These sides can balance the richness of the creamy dish. To add heat, you can use red pepper flakes. Just sprinkle a pinch into the sauce while it simmers. If you want more spice, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also try a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat to suit your taste. Enjoy the kick! In this blog post, we covered how to make creamy spinach tortellini from scratch. You learned about the essential ingredients, easy steps to cook the dish, and tips for perfect results. I shared ways to customize it, store it, and even make it spicier. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your creamy tortellini as a quick meal or impress guests. With the right ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that everyone will love. Try it out, and let your kitchen shine!$

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

A delicious and creamy dish featuring cheese-filled tortellini and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick meal.

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

9 oz fresh tortellini (cheese-filled)
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt
to taste pepper
optional red pepper flakes for heat
as needed fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer the creamy tortellini to serving plates or a large serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.

Keyword creamy, pasta, spinach, tortellini