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Creamy Tortellini With Spinach

Creamy Tortellini With Spinach

Creamy Tortellini With Spinach is a quick and comforting dinner featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini combined with fresh spinach and a velvety heavy cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances rich, creamy flavors with fresh nutrition, making it perfect for family meals or a simple yet impressive weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Fresh or refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini – about 9 to 12 ounces

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • Fresh spinach – 4 cups packed
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • Heavy cream – 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup freshly grated
  • Butter – 2 tablespoons

Seasonings & Oils

  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the tortellini, reserving a small cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  4. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy spinach sauce. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir just until melted and well incorporated. Remove from heat.
  5. Serve Warm: Serve the creamy tortellini immediately while hot and creamy, garnished as desired with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for the best texture over dried varieties.
  • Add spinach at the last minute to preserve its vibrant color and slight crunch.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for smoother melting and superior flavor.
  • Serve immediately or keep warm on low heat to prevent the cream sauce from splitting.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini, creamy pasta, spinach, Italian dinner, quick meal, family favorite, vegetarian, gluten-free option