Tortellini With Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Twirl your fork into the world of creamy delight where Tortellini with Creamy Tomato Sauce rules. A quick culinary escape, this recipe transforms your table into an Italian bistro. The magic of refrigerated tortellini is bathed in a lusciously smooth sauce whisper of comforting Italian seasonings and welcomes a splash of cream. One pot, fifteen minutes, and you’ll serve up smiles with this family-charming, tummy-pleasing wonder.
Tortellini With Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients & Common Substitutions
- Refrigerated tortellini: Fresh kind sold in the refrigerated section, cheese, or spinach-filled.
- Canned tomato sauce and tomato paste: For the base and flavor of the sauce.
- Cream or half and half: Both work well.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: To add liquid for the sauce.
- Minced garlic: Or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
- Dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Butter: A small amount to sauté the garlic.
- Salt and pepper: To season to taste.
- Fresh basil: Optional, for garnish.
- Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese: Optional, for serving.
Directions
- Sauté the Ingredients: In a skillet with a well-fitting lid, melt butter and briefly sauté the garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes.
- Additions to Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, broth, and Italian seasoning. Whisk to ensure the tomato paste fully dissolves, then stir in the cream or half and half.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the sauce, stir, and cover the pan. Cook for five minutes on medium-low heat.
- Check Doneness: If the tortellini need more time, especially if they were frozen, give them a couple more minutes until they are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Additional Notes
- Cooking Frozen Tortellini: You can cook frozen tortellini straight from the freezer, just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Adding Veggies: Add vegetables like shredded carrots or frozen peas to the sauce if desired.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light salad, steamed veggies, or roasted greens. Garlic bread, knots, or breadsticks can complete the meal.
- Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Microwave or gently reheat on the stovetop, adding liquid if the sauce thickens too much when reheating.
Remember not to freeze as creamy sauces can separate when defrosted and reheated.
Enjoy your homemade tortellini with creamy tomato sauce!
