Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

$- 9 oz fresh cheese-filled tortellini - 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 - Red pepper flakes - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main ingredients in this creamy spinach tortellini skillet shine with flavor. The fresh cheese-filled tortellini adds a delightful texture. I like to use fresh spinach for its bright color and nutrition. The heavy cream is key to making the dish rich and satisfying. Next, the additional ingredients enhance the meal's taste. Olive oil starts the cooking process, adding a smooth base. Garlic adds depth and warmth, so I never skip it. Italian seasoning brings a mix of herbs that makes each bite flavorful. Don't forget the Parmesan cheese; it adds a nice salty finish. For those who like more flavor, consider the optional ingredients. Salt and pepper help you adjust the taste to your liking. Red pepper flakes can add an exciting kick, making the dish even more fun. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish, bringing a pop of color and freshness to the plate. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a quick and easy meal that you will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about one tablespoon of salt for each quart of water. Once the water is boiling, add 9 oz of fresh cheese-filled tortellini. Cook them for 3-5 minutes or until they are al dente. Once done, drain the tortellini in a colander and set them aside. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil shimmers before adding 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often to keep it from burning. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish's flavor. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Stir to mix it well, then bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Add 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring. This helps the spinach wilt and brighten up in color. After the spinach wilts, stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Now, add salt and pepper to taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes while stirring. Then, add the drained tortellini into the creamy sauce. Toss them gently to coat evenly. Gradually sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water. This will help get the right texture. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want. Once everything is mixed well, you're ready to serve! You can pick between fresh or frozen tortellini. Fresh tortellini cooks fast and tastes great. It gives a nice bite and holds sauce well. Frozen tortellini is handy when you want a quick meal. It lasts longer in your freezer and is still tasty. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. Either choice is good for this creamy dish. Don't be afraid to play with flavors! Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of taste. You can also try spices like garlic powder or onion powder for depth. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish, too. For heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. Each twist makes the dish unique and fun to enjoy. Gentle simmering is key for your sauce. It helps the cream blend well with the spinach. High heat can burn the cream and ruin the flavor. Stir often to mix the ingredients without splattering. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a bit of pasta water. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy, making your dish delightful. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cheese-filled tortellini and spinach will elevate the dish's flavor and texture. Whenever possible, opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best results. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. This will maintain flavor while reducing the richness. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Be sure not to overcook the tortellini. They should be al dente when you add them to the sauce, as they will continue to cook slightly when combined. Garnish for Flavor: Adding fresh basil not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a burst of fresh flavor. Consider also adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your creamy spinach tortellini to make it heartier. Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu. - Chicken: Cook diced chicken breast in the skillet before adding garlic. This gives a nice flavor. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink and tender. Toss them in just before adding the tortellini. - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Press, cube, and sauté until golden. Mix it in with the cream and spinach. You may want to adjust this dish for special diets. Making it gluten-free or vegan is easy. - Gluten-Free: Swap regular tortellini for gluten-free options. Check labels to ensure they fit. - Vegan: Use plant-based cream and cheese. You can find great vegan substitutes at most stores. Adding new flavors can make this dish exciting. Here are some tasty options. - Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chop and stir them in with the spinach. They add a rich, tangy taste. - Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms after the garlic. They add a nice earthiness to the dish. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own tasty version! To keep your creamy spinach tortellini fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the dish has cooled down before sealing it. Place it in the refrigerator. This will keep the pasta and sauce from drying out. Your dish will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat for the best results. Add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce smooth. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot. If you want to freeze your creamy spinach tortellini, use a freezer-safe container. Let the dish cool completely before freezing. It will keep well for about 2 to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste great. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini for this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes a bit longer than fresh tortellini. Follow these tips for best results: - Boil water: Start with a large pot of salted water. - Add frozen tortellini: Place the frozen tortellini in the boiling water. - Cook longer: Expect to boil it for about 5-7 minutes. - Check doneness: Taste one to ensure it is cooked through. Using frozen tortellini is a great time-saver. It still tastes delicious! To add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes. Here are other spice options: - Cayenne pepper: A small pinch boosts the heat. - Hot sauce: Drizzle some into the creamy sauce. - Chili powder: This adds warmth without overpowering. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Adjust to your heat preference! This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider these options: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. - Side salad: A fresh mix of greens balances the richness. - Steamed veggies: Broccoli or asparagus add a healthy touch. These sides create a complete meal that everyone will enjoy! Creamy Spinach Tortellini lasts in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Here are some storage tips: - Cool down: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing. - Use airtight containers: This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. - Reheat carefully: Warm it on low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed. Always check for any off smells or changes before eating leftovers. Enjoy your meal! In this post, we explored how to make a delicious creamy spinach tortellini dish. We covered main and optional ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips to enhance your meal. You can also add proteins or adjust for dietary needs. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them well. This dish is easy to adapt and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!$

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

9 oz fresh cheese-filled tortellini
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 and pepper
optional red pepper flakes
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has fully wilted and brightened in color.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, and then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, stirring from time to time.
Carefully add the drained tortellini to the creamy spinach sauce in the skillet. Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
If the sauce appears too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste the dish and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Use a large spoon to transfer the creamy tortellini to individual serving plates or a communal serving dish. Finish with a garnish of fresh basil leaves and, if you like, an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Keyword creamy, pasta, quick meal, spinach, tortellini