Ah, tortellini—those delightful little pasta parcels that hold so much potential. Whether I’m in the mood for something creamy or just need a quick dinner fix, these recipes never fail to deliver. It’s like finding the perfect playlist for a cozy night in, each dish offering its own melody of flavors.
Steps
- Begin by mincing four cloves of garlic and sautéing them in a large skillet with one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, just until they become fragrant.
- Add a 28-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, along with half a teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano, and a quarter teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture and continue to heat while stirring occasionally until the tomatoes are hot.
- Cut four ounces of cream cheese into chunks and add them to the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring until the cream cheese melts completely, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 19 ounces of frozen cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually for about three minutes until they float. Drain the tortellini once cooked.
- While the tortellini drains, roughly chop two cups of fresh spinach into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the skillet with the sauce, allowing the heat to wilt the spinach.
- Add the drained tortellini to the skillet, stirring to combine them with the sauce.
- Sprinkle a quarter cup of grated Parmesan over the tortellini and stir everything together. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving it hot.
Ingredients
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz.) petite diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 19 oz. frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 648 kcal | Carbohydrates: 77 g | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 27 g | Saturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: N/A | Sodium: 1057 mg | Fiber: 9 g | Sugar: N/A
FAQ
- Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh tortellini for frozen in this recipe. However, keep in mind that fresh tortellini may have a shorter cooking time, so adjust accordingly based on the package instructions.
- What can I add to make this dish spicier?
- To give the dish a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce. This will provide a subtle spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce well.
- How can I incorporate meat into this recipe?
- If you want to add meat to the Spinach Tortellini Skillet, you have several options. You can brown some Italian sausage in the skillet before adding the garlic, top the dish with sliced seared chicken breast, or include garlic butter shrimp for a seafood twist.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For reheating, the microwave is the most efficient method. Cover the dish partially to retain steam and stir occasionally to ensure even reheating.
- What side dishes go well with Spinach Tortellini Skillet?
- Garlic bread is an excellent side to serve with this dish, offering a buttery, crispy complement to the creamy pasta. For extra vegetables, you could add a simple side salad using leftover spinach or make easy roasted broccoli.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Opt for petite diced tomatoes to keep your sauce smooth and not too chunky. For an added depth of flavor, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Perfecting the Creamy Sauce: Ensure your cream cheese is cut into small chunks before adding it to the skillet. This helps it melt more easily into the tomato mixture, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. A whisk can be helpful if you need to blend it in more thoroughly.
- Enhance with Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
- Reheating Leftovers: When reheating leftovers, use the microwave and keep the dish partially covered to retain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even reheating and maintain the dish’s creamy texture.
Equipment
- Large skillet – for sautéing the garlic and preparing the sauce.
- Large pot – for boiling the tortellini.
- Colander – for draining the tortellini.
- Whisk – for helping the cream cheese melt into the sauce.
