Description
This creamy tortellini with spinach recipe is a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal combining tender cheese tortellini with fresh spinach in a luscious, velvety cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it balances cheesy richness with healthy greens, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive meals for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Greens
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed later.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then toss in the fresh spinach and sauté until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Bring gently to a simmer, stirring frequently so the cream thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
- Add cheese and tortellini: Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Then fold in the cooked tortellini, tossing gently to coat every piece in the silky, cheesy sauce.
- Adjust consistency and serve: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately while warm and comforting.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the spinach; sauté only until it just wilts to keep it vibrant and tender.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce without losing flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a better melt and richer taste.
- Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling and maintain smoothness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: tortellini, creamy pasta, spinach, quick dinner, Italian, vegetarian pasta, cheesy sauce