Creamy Tomato Tortellini Spinach (Print)

Cheese tortellini simmered in tomato cream sauce with spinach—creamy, hearty, and ready in 30 minutes.

# Components:

→ Pasta & Dairy

01 - 18 oz fresh cheese tortellini
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 3 cups fresh baby spinach

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
12 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Liquids

13 - 1 cup vegetable broth

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a substantial, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent.
02 - Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1 minute until its aroma becomes pronounced.
03 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you are using them). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
04 - Introduce the fresh cheese tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Stir carefully to avoid sticking and allow it to simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes, or until the tortellini reach a perfectly just-tender state.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly until well combined. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to heat through without boiling.
06 - Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted into the sauce.
07 - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency. Adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses mostly pantry staples you likely already have on hand
  • One pot means minimal cleanup
  • Perfect balance of creamy comfort and nutritious ingredients
  • Vegetarian friendly but easily adaptable for meat lovers
02 -
  • This dish reheats beautifully the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight
  • The entire meal provides a good source of calcium protein and vitamin A
  • Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • You can make this gluten free by using gluten free tortellini varieties now available in many stores
03 -
  • I've learned through many iterations of this recipe that the order of ingredients truly matters. Adding the cream after the tortellini has cooked prevents any risk of the cream separating or curdling.
  • Always taste before the final serving to adjust seasonings as the cheese adds saltiness that may affect your perfect balance.
  • For an extra special touch reserve a little of the grated Parmesan to sprinkle on individual portions right before serving giving each plate that restaurant quality presentation.

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