Description
A quick, 25-minute weeknight dinner featuring fresh cheese tortellini in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with spinach. This comforting dish is easier than takeout and tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (20oz / 560g) fresh cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups (360ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4–5 cups (120-150g) fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and measure cream and broth.
- Boil tortellini in a large pot of salted water for 3-4 minutes (fresh) or 5-6 minutes (frozen). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 1 minute to deglaze the pan.
- Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove skillet from heat. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if too thick.
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted (1-2 minutes).
- Add drained tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Use fresh tortellini for best texture; frozen works but avoid dried. Always remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: creamy garlic tortellini, easy weeknight dinner, pasta recipe, homemade tortellini, garlic cream sauce, spinach pasta, quick dinner, comfort food