Creamy Spinach Tortellini Easy Weeknight Meal

Looking for an easy weeknight meal that’s both delicious and quick? You’ve hit the jackpot with this Creamy Spinach Tortellini! I’ll show you how to whip up this cheesy, savory dish in no time. With fresh spinach and rich cream, it’s a delightful dinner guaranteed to please everyone. Ready to impress your family with a simple recipe? Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Ingredients

Full Recipe Overview

Creamy Spinach Tortellini is a quick and easy meal. It’s rich, tasty, and comforting. This dish combines cheese-filled pasta with fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. You can make it in just 30 minutes.

List of Ingredients

– 12 ounces cheese-filled tortellini

– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (if available)

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– Optional: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick

– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Gather these ingredients for a delightful meal. Each one adds flavor and texture. The tortellini brings a cheesy bite, while spinach adds freshness. Olive oil and garlic create a fragrant base. Heavy cream and Parmesan make the sauce rich and smooth. Nutmeg gives a warm hint, and red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. Fresh basil finishes the dish with a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Tortellini

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 12 ounces of cheese-filled tortellini. Cook it for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is al dente. Drain the tortellini and set it aside. It is important to not overcook it.

Sautéing the Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Next, add 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Stir continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.

Making the Cream Sauce

Once the spinach wilts, lower the heat. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to mix and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring to avoid sticking. Now, slowly add in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. At this point, add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like some heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Combining and Serving the Dish

Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce. Make sure each piece is coated well. Remove the pan from heat and let it rest for about a minute to thicken the sauce. To serve, scoop the creamy spinach tortellini onto warm plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Tortellini

To make the best tortellini, follow the package instructions. Cook until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Drain the tortellini gently. If you rinse them, the sauce will not stick well.

Enhancing the Cream Sauce

For a rich cream sauce, start with quality ingredients. Use fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese. Grate the cheese yourself for the best flavor. Add freshly grated nutmeg; it boosts the taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick that pairs well with the cream.

Presentation Tips for Serving

Presentation adds joy to your meal. Use warm plates to serve the tortellini. This keeps the dish hot longer. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add color and a lovely aroma. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a fancy touch. For a pop of color, consider adding a few cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Try these tips for a delightful dining experience. For the full recipe, check the section above.

Variations

Protein Additions (Chicken, Shrimp, etc.)

You can add protein to creamy spinach tortellini easily. Chicken is a great choice. Cook it in the skillet first, then add garlic and spinach. Shrimp works well too. Sauté shrimp until pink before adding the cream and cheese. Both options add flavor and make the dish more filling.

Vegetable Substitutions (Mushrooms, Peas, etc.)

If you want to change the veggies, think mushrooms or peas. Mushrooms add a nice earthy taste. Sauté them with the garlic for the best flavor. Peas give a sweet crunch. Toss them in right before serving for a pop of color and taste. You can mix and match your favorites!

Gluten-Free Options for Tortellini

Need gluten-free tortellini? Many brands offer this now. Look for rice or corn-based tortellini. They taste great and cook just like regular ones. This way, everyone can enjoy creamy spinach tortellini without worry. For the full recipe, check the ingredients and instructions to ensure all choices are gluten-free.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying creamy spinach tortellini, you might have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge. These leftovers can last for about 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, place the tortellini in a skillet. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Heat over low until warmed through. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This way, it heats evenly.

Freezing Creamy Spinach Tortellini

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let your dish cool completely. Then, portion the tortellini into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label them with the date. You can freeze creamy spinach tortellini for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described earlier for a warm meal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. They cook well and save time. Just follow the package instructions. Frozen tortellini usually takes a bit longer to cook. Make sure they are heated through before serving.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten up the dish, swap heavy cream for a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. This change keeps the creamy texture but cuts calories. You can also use less cheese or choose a lower-fat version. Adding more spinach boosts nutrition without extra calories.

What can I serve alongside creamy spinach tortellini?

Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light green salad balances the richness. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. For a fun touch, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top. Want the full recipe? Check out the [Full Recipe].

This creamy spinach tortellini recipe is easy and full of flavor. You learned how to cook tortellini, sauté garlic and spinach, make a rich cream sauce, and combine it all. Plus, you have tips for perfecting the dish, adding proteins, or using different veggies. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This meal is not just tasty but also flexible. You can customize it to fit your needs. Enjoy making this dish and share it with your loved ones!

Creamy Spinach Tortellini is a quick and easy meal. It’s rich, tasty, and comforting. This dish combines cheese-filled pasta with fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. You can make it in just 30 minutes. - 12 ounces cheese-filled tortellini - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (if available) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Optional: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Gather these ingredients for a delightful meal. Each one adds flavor and texture. The tortellini brings a cheesy bite, while spinach adds freshness. Olive oil and garlic create a fragrant base. Heavy cream and Parmesan make the sauce rich and smooth. Nutmeg gives a warm hint, and red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. Fresh basil finishes the dish with a pop of color. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 12 ounces of cheese-filled tortellini. Cook it for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is al dente. Drain the tortellini and set it aside. It is important to not overcook it. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Next, add 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Stir continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Once the spinach wilts, lower the heat. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to mix and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring to avoid sticking. Now, slowly add in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. At this point, add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like some heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce. Make sure each piece is coated well. Remove the pan from heat and let it rest for about a minute to thicken the sauce. To serve, scoop the creamy spinach tortellini onto warm plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make the best tortellini, follow the package instructions. Cook until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Drain the tortellini gently. If you rinse them, the sauce will not stick well. For a rich cream sauce, start with quality ingredients. Use fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese. Grate the cheese yourself for the best flavor. Add freshly grated nutmeg; it boosts the taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick that pairs well with the cream. Presentation adds joy to your meal. Use warm plates to serve the tortellini. This keeps the dish hot longer. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add color and a lovely aroma. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a fancy touch. For a pop of color, consider adding a few cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Try these tips for a delightful dining experience. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can add protein to creamy spinach tortellini easily. Chicken is a great choice. Cook it in the skillet first, then add garlic and spinach. Shrimp works well too. Sauté shrimp until pink before adding the cream and cheese. Both options add flavor and make the dish more filling. If you want to change the veggies, think mushrooms or peas. Mushrooms add a nice earthy taste. Sauté them with the garlic for the best flavor. Peas give a sweet crunch. Toss them in right before serving for a pop of color and taste. You can mix and match your favorites! Need gluten-free tortellini? Many brands offer this now. Look for rice or corn-based tortellini. They taste great and cook just like regular ones. This way, everyone can enjoy creamy spinach tortellini without worry. For the full recipe, check the ingredients and instructions to ensure all choices are gluten-free. After enjoying creamy spinach tortellini, you might have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge. These leftovers can last for about 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, place the tortellini in a skillet. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Heat over low until warmed through. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This way, it heats evenly. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let your dish cool completely. Then, portion the tortellini into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label them with the date. You can freeze creamy spinach tortellini for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described earlier for a warm meal. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. They cook well and save time. Just follow the package instructions. Frozen tortellini usually takes a bit longer to cook. Make sure they are heated through before serving. To lighten up the dish, swap heavy cream for a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. This change keeps the creamy texture but cuts calories. You can also use less cheese or choose a lower-fat version. Adding more spinach boosts nutrition without extra calories. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light green salad balances the richness. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. For a fun touch, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top. Want the full recipe? Check out the [Full Recipe]. This creamy spinach tortellini recipe is easy and full of flavor. You learned how to cook tortellini, sauté garlic and spinach, make a rich cream sauce, and combine it all. Plus, you have tips for perfecting the dish, adding proteins, or using different veggies. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This meal is not just tasty but also flexible. You can customize it to fit your needs. Enjoy making this dish and share it with your loved ones!

Creamy Spinach Tortellini

Indulge in a delicious night in with this Creamy Spinach Tortellini recipe! With cheese-filled tortellini smothered in a velvety garlic and spinach cream sauce, this dish is quick and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, it's ready in just 30 minutes and brings vibrant flavors to your table. Don’t miss out—click through now to explore this easy recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!

Ingredients
  

12 ounces cheese-filled tortellini

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (if available)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, aiming for a perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until fragrant, ensuring not to let it burn.

      Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

        Once the spinach is wilted, reduce the heat to low. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Slowly incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture, stirring until the cheese has melted completely, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce.

            Sprinkle in the freshly grated nutmeg and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you enjoy a bit of spice, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

              Carefully fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce, ensuring that each piece is gently coated with the sauce.

                Remove the pan from heat and allow the dish to rest for about a minute; this will help the sauce thicken slightly.

                  To serve, dish out the creamy spinach tortellini onto warm plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant pop of color and delightful aroma.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

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