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Easy How to Cook Tortellini photo

How to Cook Tortellini

This Tortellini dish is a comforting delight! With creamy sauce and pillowy pasta, it's perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling tortellini
  • Large skillet for the sauce
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables

Ingredients
  

For the Tortellini:

  • 1 package cheese tortellini (dried, frozen, or fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 large can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • pepper and salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons raw sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, fresh is best; plus more to taste)

Instructions
 

How to Cook Tortellini:

  • Step 1: Cook the Tortellini. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini usually cooks in about 3-5 minutes, while dried may take longer. Once they float to the surface, they're done. Drain the tortellini using a colander and set it aside.
  • Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Step 3: Create the Sauce. Pour in the large can of crushed tomatoes, and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Add in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt down. Season the sauce with pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, cumin, dried basil, and raw sugar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Step 4: Thicken the Sauce. Sprinkle the flour over the sauce and stir well to incorporate. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Step 5: Combine Tortellini and Sauce. Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce, stirring gently to coat each piece in the creamy tomato goodness. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tortellini to absorb some of the flavors.
  • Step 6: Finish with Cheese. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
  • If you have leftovers, store them for up to 2 days and reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
  • Feel free to customize the tortellini with different flavors or sauces!
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy, Vegetarian