Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Try my Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini! It’s packed with flavor and love, making it the perfect weeknight meal. With a handful of simple ingredients like cheese tortellini and fresh basil, this dish comes together in no time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this creamy delight! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

$- 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - ½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The cheese tortellini gives a soft, cheesy bite that feels comforting. Olive oil enhances the flavors and helps cook the garlic. Fresh garlic adds a strong, savory taste that makes the dish pop. Diced tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness, which balance the creaminess. Heavy cream creates that rich, velvety sauce that clings to the tortellini. Italian seasoning adds a mix of herbs that make every bite taste fresh. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Fresh basil adds brightness and a hint of sweetness. Finally, Parmesan cheese gives a salty finish that ties it all together. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. They can give this dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt helps the tortellini taste great. Once the water is boiling, add 12 oz of cheese tortellini. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them al dente, or firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set them aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir constantly to avoid browning it. When the garlic smells great, pour in a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), juice included. Bring this to a gentle simmer, stirring now and then. Now, slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let this sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns creamy. Taste the sauce and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gently add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss them in the creamy tomato sauce until they are well coated. Next, fold in ½ cup of finely chopped fresh basil and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is mixed well. Let the dish cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil tortellini! To make the sauce creamy, add more heavy cream. If you want less richness, use less cream. Adjust salt and pepper to balance the flavors. A pinch of sugar can help reduce acidity from tomatoes. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix. Cook the tortellini until they are al dente. This keeps them firm and chewy. If you overcook them, they may turn mushy. When cooking garlic, avoid browning it. Browned garlic can taste bitter. Cook it just until fragrant for the best flavor. Serve the tortellini in wide, shallow bowls. This creates a beautiful look. For a nice touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color. Drizzle some olive oil for extra flavor and shine. {{image_4}} If you need to switch things up, consider these options: - Gluten-free tortellini options: Look for brands that use rice or corn flour. These options taste great and fit into a gluten-free diet. - Dairy alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. Want to make the dish more filling? Try these ideas: - Adding protein: Toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. Just add them in when you combine the tortellini with the sauce. - Incorporating other vegetables: Spinach or bell peppers work well. Add them to the sauce while it simmers for extra color and nutrients. To elevate your meal even more, consider these pairings: - Complementary side dishes: A fresh salad or garlic bread makes a great side. They add texture and flavor to your dinner. - Wine recommendations: A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, pairs nicely. It balances the richness of the cream and enhances the tomato flavor. To keep your creamy tomato basil tortellini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Use the leftovers within three to four days for the best taste. When reheating, use low heat to avoid overcooking. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Start by letting it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for the sauce to expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. You might want to add a splash of cream or water to help restore the creamy texture. Creamy tomato basil tortellini lasts about three to four days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. To enjoy the best flavor and texture, consume it within these time frames. It takes about 25 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it a great weeknight meal. You can have a delicious dinner in no time! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. Remove the seeds for less liquid. This choice adds a fresh taste to your dish. Just cook them longer to break them down. Yes, this dish is vegetarian. It contains no meat or meat-based products. The creamy sauce and cheese add richness. You get a filling meal without any animal protein. Good side dishes include a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Both pair well and complete your meal nicely. You can! Use dairy-free cream and cheese. Almond or coconut cream works well. Look for dairy-free cheese options too. This way, you keep the creamy texture without dairy. Enjoy all the flavors while meeting your dietary needs! You can easily make a creamy tomato basil tortellini dish. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect your sauce. I shared variations and storage tips for leftovers. With all these ideas, you can make this dish your own. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy meal, this recipe fits. Dive in, explore your options, and enjoy every bite. Now, let your kitchen creativity shine!$

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 12 oz cheese tortellini

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

– ½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped

– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The cheese tortellini gives a soft, cheesy bite that feels comforting. Olive oil enhances the flavors and helps cook the garlic. Fresh garlic adds a strong, savory taste that makes the dish pop. Diced tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness, which balance the creaminess.

Heavy cream creates that rich, velvety sauce that clings to the tortellini. Italian seasoning adds a mix of herbs that make every bite taste fresh. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Fresh basil adds brightness and a hint of sweetness. Finally, Parmesan cheese gives a salty finish that ties it all together.

If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. They can give this dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Tortellini

To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt helps the tortellini taste great. Once the water is boiling, add 12 oz of cheese tortellini. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them al dente, or firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set them aside.

Preparing the Sauce

Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir constantly to avoid browning it. When the garlic smells great, pour in a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), juice included. Bring this to a gentle simmer, stirring now and then. Now, slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let this sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns creamy. Taste the sauce and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Combining the Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gently add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss them in the creamy tomato sauce until they are well coated. Next, fold in ½ cup of finely chopped fresh basil and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is mixed well. Let the dish cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil tortellini!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Sauce

To make the sauce creamy, add more heavy cream. If you want less richness, use less cream. Adjust salt and pepper to balance the flavors. A pinch of sugar can help reduce acidity from tomatoes. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix.

Cooking Techniques

Cook the tortellini until they are al dente. This keeps them firm and chewy. If you overcook them, they may turn mushy. When cooking garlic, avoid browning it. Browned garlic can taste bitter. Cook it just until fragrant for the best flavor.

Presentation Tips

Serve the tortellini in wide, shallow bowls. This creates a beautiful look. For a nice touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color. Drizzle some olive oil for extra flavor and shine.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to switch things up, consider these options:

– Gluten-free tortellini options: Look for brands that use rice or corn flour. These options taste great and fit into a gluten-free diet.

– Dairy alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too.

Flavor Tweaks

Want to make the dish more filling? Try these ideas:

– Adding protein: Toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. Just add them in when you combine the tortellini with the sauce.

– Incorporating other vegetables: Spinach or bell peppers work well. Add them to the sauce while it simmers for extra color and nutrients.

Serving Pairings

To elevate your meal even more, consider these pairings:

– Complementary side dishes: A fresh salad or garlic bread makes a great side. They add texture and flavor to your dinner.

– Wine recommendations: A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, pairs nicely. It balances the richness of the cream and enhances the tomato flavor.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your creamy tomato basil tortellini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Use the leftovers within three to four days for the best taste. When reheating, use low heat to avoid overcooking.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Start by letting it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for the sauce to expand. You can freeze it for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. You might want to add a splash of cream or water to help restore the creamy texture.

Shelf Life

Creamy tomato basil tortellini lasts about three to four days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. To enjoy the best flavor and texture, consume it within these time frames.

FAQs

How long does it take to make creamy tomato basil tortellini?

It takes about 25 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it a great weeknight meal. You can have a delicious dinner in no time!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. Remove the seeds for less liquid. This choice adds a fresh taste to your dish. Just cook them longer to break them down.

Is creamy tomato basil tortellini vegetarian?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian. It contains no meat or meat-based products. The creamy sauce and cheese add richness. You get a filling meal without any animal protein.

What are good side dishes for this recipe?

Good side dishes include a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Both pair well and complete your meal nicely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can! Use dairy-free cream and cheese. Almond or coconut cream works well. Look for dairy-free cheese options too. This way, you keep the creamy texture without dairy. Enjoy all the flavors while meeting your dietary needs!

You can easily make a creamy tomato basil tortellini dish. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect your sauce. I shared variations and storage tips for leftovers. With all these ideas, you can make this dish your own. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy meal, this recipe fits. Dive in, explore your options, and enjoy every bite. Now, let your kitchen creativity shine!

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Delight! Perfectly cooked cheese tortellini are enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. This easy recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Discover how to elevate your pasta nights and bring warmth to your table. Click now to explore the full recipe and enjoy a deliciously satisfying dish your family will love!

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Ingredients

12 oz cheese tortellini

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside, allowing the tortellini to rest.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but is not browned.

Carefully pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.

Slowly stir in the heavy cream along with the Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.

Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes to your flavor preference.

Gently add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy tomato sauce until they are well coated.

Once coated, fold in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until they are fully integrated into the sauce.

Allow the dish to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully together.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy tortellini in wide, shallow bowls. For an elegant touch, sprinkle each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant color contrast. A light drizzle of olive oil over the top can enhance the visual appeal and flavor!