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–+ servings
Creamy Tuscan garlic tortellini bubbling in skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini

Plump three-cheese tortellini simmered in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce studded with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and tender wilted baby spinach. An indulgent, restaurant-quality Italian skillet dinner made from scratch in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Tuscan Sauce Base & Aromatics
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted European butter
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced into thin ribbons
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle warmth)
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
Tortellini, Greens & Cheese Finish
  • 16 oz fresh refrigerated three-cheese tortellini (or frozen)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, gently packed
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh sweet basil leaves, torn or chiffonade (for serving)

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and begins to gently bubble.
  2. Add the minced garlic, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 60 to 90 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Whisk gently to combine with the aromatics. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  4. Add the refrigerated fresh cheese tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Stir gently so the tortellini is submerged. Simmer gently uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes (or 5 to 6 minutes if using frozen tortellini) until the pasta is tender and cooked through, naturally thickening the cream sauce with its starches.
  5. Stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves by handfuls, gently tossing until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce (about 1 to 2 minutes).
  6. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until completely melted, creating a glossy, velvety consistency. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish generously with fresh torn basil and extra shaved parmesan, then serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 18gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Keyword: creamy tuscan tortellini. Using oil from the sun-dried tomato jar adds an extra layer of concentrated herbaceous flavor to the base. For the silkiest sauce, always grate your parmesan cheese fresh from a block.

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