5 Best Tortellini Recipes

delicious tortellini recipe ideas

When it comes to tortellini, you've got a world of flavors at your fingertips. Whether you're in the mood for a warm, comforting bowl of cheese tortellini in broth or looking to impress with a vibrant pesto tortellini salad, there's something for everyone. You'll find that each recipe offers a unique twist, from creamy mushroom blends to quick lemon garlic shrimp options. Curious about which dish might become your new favorite? Let's investigate these five recipes and see which ones stand out for your next meal.

Classic Cheese Tortellini in Broth

cheese tortellini soup recipe

Classic Cheese Tortellini in Broth is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese-filled pasta with a savory broth. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening at home or a quick meal that warms you up from the inside out. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the tortellini to shine, making it a favorite among both cooks and diners.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup of fresh spinach
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh or 7-10 minutes for frozen.

Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Extra Tips:

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before adding the tortellini.

You can also customize the broth by incorporating additional vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for added texture and taste.

If you're looking to make this dish heartier, adding shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp can enhance it further.

Enjoy it fresh, as the tortellini may become mushy if left in the broth for too long.

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Tortellini

creamy spinach mushroom tortellini

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Tortellini is a delightful dish that marries the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce.

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This comforting pasta meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they're golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the cooked tortellini and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the tortellini is well coated and the sauce is heated through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Extra Tips:

For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.

Feel free to add in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for additional flavor and color.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

This dish can also be easily made ahead of time; just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

Enjoy your creamy creation!

Pesto Tortellini Salad

pasta salad with pesto

Pesto Tortellini Salad is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines the rich flavors of pesto with tender tortellini and fresh vegetables. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

With its quick preparation and minimal cooking time, it's an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
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Instructions:

Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water to cool it down.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Add the pesto and toss everything together until well-coated.

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, mixing gently. Season with salt and pepper as desired, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if using.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Extra Tips:

For an added burst of flavor, consider roasting the cherry tomatoes before adding them to the salad; this will improve their sweetness.

You can also customize your salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, and for a protein boost, grilled chicken or chickpeas work wonderfully.

If you find the salad too dry after refrigeration, simply stir in a little extra pesto or a splash of olive oil before serving.

Enjoy your Pesto Tortellini Salad!

Tortellini Bake With Marinara

baked tortellini with marinara

Tortellini Bake with Marinara is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the richness of cheese-filled tortellini with the vibrant flavors of marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese for a perfect golden finish.

This hearty meal isn't only easy to prepare but also makes for a great weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. With its layers of flavor and satisfying textures, it's sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of cheese tortellini (about 12-16 oz)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large pot, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with marinara sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor, consider sautéing some chopped onions and bell peppers in olive oil before mixing them with the tortellini and sauce.

You can also customize the bake by adding cooked sausage, ground beef, or sautéed vegetables for extra protein and texture.

If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the dish before serving.

This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tortellini

shrimp tortellini with garlic

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tortellini is a delightful dish that perfectly combines the flavors of succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic with tender tortellini. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it can be made in under 30 minutes.

The bright, invigorating taste of lemon paired with the savory notes of garlic enhances the dish, making it both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

Begin by cooking the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through.

Extra Tips:

For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for about 15-30 minutes before cooking.

You can also customize this dish by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

If you prefer a creamier sauce, a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese can be stirred in just before serving.

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!


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