This Creamy Tortellini is a simple recipe that's greatfor a busy weeknight dinner. Tender tortellini coated in a creamy tomato sauce and topped with freshly grated parmesan. This easy dinner is a real crowd-pleaser.
If you love creamy pasta bakes, don't miss my Chicken Tortellini Bake. It's just as cozy and family-friendly, but rich with Alfredo sauce and a baked twist that adds a little extra comfort to your dinner table.
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ This great recipe only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish which means that it's the perfect easy weeknight meal.
✔️ Another great thing about this easy recipe is that skillet tortellini easy to customize so even the pickiest of eaters will love it.
✔️ Plus, you only need a few ingredients so you don't have to worry about spending a ton of money at the grocery store.
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- garlic
- crushed red pepper flakes
- olive oil
- pasta sauce
- cream cheese
- cheese tortellini you can use fresh tortellini or frozen pasta
- fresh spinach
- grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Mince the garlic and add it to a large skillet with the olive oil. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about one minute, or just until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce and stir to combine
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks, then add it to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir until the cream cheese has melted into the tomatoes and created a smooth and creamy sauce (use a whisk, if needed).
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the tortellini. Season it well with salt. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water. Drain the tortellini in a colander.
- Roughly chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped spinach to the sauce. Stir to combine, the spinach will cook and wilt into the sauce.
- Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. If necessary, add the reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until the pasta is good and saucy.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan over the dish. If desired, place the skillet under the broiler for minute to brown the cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- large skillet
- large pot
- colander
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FAQ's
Making this delicious meal takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Yes, you should cook the tortellini to al dente which means it will still have a little bit of bite to it. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy when combined with the sauce.
I don't recommend that you use dried tortellini for this recipe. Fresh or frozen tortellini will give you the best results. However, you can use it in a pinch.
Test kitchen tips
- Tortellini cooks at different times depending on which type you are using., so make sure that you check your package for the correct cooking time for your brand.
- Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, if you overcook it then the cheese filling may burst out of it.
- I use a ladle to easily remove the pasta water into a glass measuring cup. You will need the starch in the pasta water to help thicken the creamy sauce.
- For the best flavor I recommend topping this creamy pasta recipe with fresh parmesan cheese it tastes so much better than the canned stuff.
- I prefer to use baby spinach in creamy pasta recipes like this one because the leaves are tender, and they will wilt beautifully into your sauce.
- To finish this delicious pasta garnish it will a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a nice pop of flavor and color.
- Feel free to use your favorite pasta sauce I love to use a jar sauce to keep things simple, but if you have homemade on hand I'm sure it will taste even better.
Variations
- Are you a fan of onion? Before you add the garlic to the hot skillet, saute some diced yellow onion in the olive oil until soft and translucent. Then add the garlic and finish the recipe as directed.
- We love to use cheese tortellini for this recipe, however, feel free to swap it out for your favorite type of pasta such as chicken or spinach tortellini
- Want an additional punch of flavor in this tomato cream sauce? Add a pinch of Italian seasoning, garlic salt, or your favorite garlic herb blend seasoning.
Storage
Refrigerate - If you have to have some left, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freezer - Because of the dairy in the creamy sauce, I don't recommend freezing this recipe. But, don't worry it's so delicious your family will devour the whole pot in no time.
Reheat - Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, if your sauce is a little thick, you can add a few splashes of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
Related recipes
- Do you love tortellini? If so, add this Chicken Tortellini Soup to your meal plan next week, your whole family will love it.
- This Panera Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is another great recipe that uses tortellini, it's on the table in under 30 minutes too!
- Looking for another easy weeknight dinner to make for your family? Then give this Cheesy Pasta Bake With Bacon a try next time.
Serve with
- You can't have a pasta meal without a crispy side of garlic bread. This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is my go-to recipe. Also, it's easy to make and you don't have to worry about turning on the oven.
- I always pair a pasta dish like this one with a light salad like this Outback Wedge Salad. Besides, who doesn't love a good wedge salad?
- Are you like me and always crave a sweet treat after a delicious meal like this one? This Cream Cheese Pineapple Pie is another easy recipe that your whole family will love and it will satisfy your sweet tooth.
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For those days when you're wondering... what the heck should I make for dinner? This is one of my go-to meals. I think it's the delicious creamy tortellini sauce, YUM! Tell me what you think? Please leave a comment below!
Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 24- ounce jar pasta sauce
- 4- ounces cream cheese
- 20- ounce fresh cheese tortellini you can use fresh or frozen pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Mince the garlic and add it to a large skillet with the olive oil. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about one minute, or just until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce and stir to combine
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks, then add it to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir until the cream cheese has melted into the tomatoes and created a smooth and creamy sauce (use a whisk, if needed).
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the tortellini. Season it well with salt. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water. Drain the tortellini in a colander.
- Roughly chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped spinach to the sauce. Stir to combine, the spinach will cook and wilt into the sauce.
- Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. If necessary, add the reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until the pasta is good and saucy.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan over the dish. If desired, place the skillet under the broiler for minute to brown the cheese. Serve and enjoy!
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