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Creamy Tortellini With Spinach

Creamy Tortellini With Spinach
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Creamy Tortellini With Spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini combined with fresh spinach and enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals, this recipe balances creamy indulgence with nutritious greens, delivering a satisfying and simple-to-make pasta experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  2. Sauté Spinach and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour heavy cream or half-and-half into the skillet with spinach and garlic, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini directly to the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Give the dish a final toss, making sure each tortellini is well-coated and vibrant green from the spinach. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Fresh Is Best: Use fresh spinach over frozen when possible for a brighter flavor and better texture.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente tortellini holds up better in the creamy sauce and prevents mushiness.
  • Reserved Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water handy as its starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the tortellini.
  • Parmesan Quality: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and adds a richer taste than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Garlic Timing: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness that affects the sauce’s delicacy.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tortellini, spinach pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian dinner, quick dinner, cheesy tortellini, creamy sauce, comfort food

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/creamy-tortellini-with-spinach/