Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

$- 12 oz fresh cheese tortellini - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 5 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. The fresh cheese tortellini adds a soft bite. Olive oil gives a nice flavor base. Garlic adds a punch of zest. Fresh spinach is light and healthy. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth. Parmesan cheese brings umami richness. Nutmeg adds warmth. Salt and pepper finish the blend. Quality matters when you cook. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh tortellini gives a tender texture. Pick vibrant spinach for bright color and flavor. Choose a good olive oil for depth. Grate real Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-grated. This will enhance the creamy sauce. - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and a chewy texture. They make the dish more exciting. Fresh basil leaves give a pop of freshness. They also add a lovely green color to your plate. Feel free to mix in these options to boost flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil water in a large skillet. Add 12 ounces of fresh cheese tortellini to the boiling water. Cook the tortellini based on the package instructions. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once they are tender, drain the tortellini and set them aside. This step is crucial, as the tortellini will soak up the creamy sauce later. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Then, add 5 cups of fresh spinach. Cook the spinach, stirring often, until it wilts. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The garlic and spinach mix well to create a strong flavor base. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese next. Stir the mixture until the cheese melts, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Then, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and add salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Finally, toss the cooked tortellini into the creamy spinach sauce. Stir gently until the tortellini is fully coated. Heat everything together for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It makes the dish smooth and thick. Stir in the cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Just a pinch goes a long way. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This keeps it creamy and smooth. For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a sweet and tangy taste. Fresh basil leaves are great for garnish, too. They add freshness and color. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick if you like heat. Experiment with different herbs. Try thyme or oregano for a unique twist. One-pan meals save time and clean-up. Start by cooking the tortellini first. Drain it and set it aside. Use the same skillet for the rest. Sauté the garlic and spinach to build flavor. Make sure to stir often to avoid burning. Toss the tortellini with the creamy sauce gently. This ensures every piece is coated well. If you need to, adjust the heat. Keep it low to prevent sticking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality tortellini for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth. Enhance with Spices: Experiment with additional spices like crushed red pepper or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve immediately after cooking for the creamiest experience. {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in this dish easily. Try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage. These options bring flavor and make it heartier. For chicken, use grilled or rotisserie. For shrimp, sauté them until pink. With sausage, cook it first, then slice and mix in. Each choice adds a nice touch. To make this meal vegan, swap out key ingredients. Use plant-based tortellini made from wheat or chickpeas. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk or cashew cream. For cheese, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you keep it creamy and flavorful, even without animal products. Adding seasonal veggies makes the dish fresh and exciting. In spring, try peas or asparagus. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. Fall calls for mushrooms or butternut squash. Winter is perfect for kale or carrots. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and texture, making your creamy spinach tortellini even better. To store your creamy spinach tortellini, let it cool first. Then, put it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to label the container with the date. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Place the tortellini in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often until it’s warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in a bowl for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. You can freeze creamy spinach tortellini for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. Avoid freezing if you’ve added fresh basil, as it may lose its flavor. I love using fresh cheese tortellini for this dish. It cooks quickly and has a nice texture. You can find this type in the refrigerated section of most stores. If you prefer, you can use frozen tortellini. Just remember to cook it according to the package directions. Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. It saves time and still adds great flavor. Thaw the spinach and drain it well to remove excess water. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Fresh spinach gives a nice texture, but frozen is a great option. To make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer options made from rice or other gluten-free grains. Be sure to check the labels for gluten-free certification. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you're all set! In this post, we explored the key ingredients needed for a tasty tortellini dish. We discussed quality ingredient choices and useful tips for enhancing flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing the dish, making a creamy sauce, and perfecting texture. We also reviewed variations, including protein options and vegan alternatives. In the end, you have all the tools to make this meal your own. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Spinach Tortellini Skillet

A delicious and creamy dish featuring cheese tortellini and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz fresh cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, bring water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Sprinkle in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper, adjusting the taste as desired. If using, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Gently toss the cooked tortellini in the creamy spinach sauce until fully coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor if desired.

Keyword creamy, pasta, spinach, tortellini