One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini
Introduction:
Picture this: a cool evening, the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil fills your kitchen, and the soft golden light illuminates your dining table, where family gathers around in warmth and laughter. There’s something magical about the comfort food that makes your heart feel at home, and that’s precisely what my One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini brings to the table. This dish isn’t just a simple dinner; it’s a creamy, luscious embrace after a hectic day, offering familiar flavors that evoke warm memories of shared meals with loved ones. Plus, the ease of making this delectable homemade dish means you can focus more on what truly matters: enjoying time with those you cherish.
Why Make This Recipe:
This One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful escape any day of the week. Here’s why you’re going to love it:
- Quick Prep: With just one pan and 30 minutes, dinner is ready to delight.
- Cozy Flavors: The rich creaminess combined with zesty sun-dried tomatoes offers a taste of indulgence.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish never fails to impress.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it based on what you have in the kitchen.
- Simple Cleanup: One pan means less to wash, allowing you to savor your meal without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Gather the following ingredients for a simple yet satisfying dish:
- Tortellini: Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini for the best texture.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the dish. Feel free to use vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here; it infuses the dish with a savory aroma. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes—they’re bursting with flavor. You can substitute with fresh tomatoes if you prefer a lighter dish.
- Cream Cheese: This creates the creamy base. For a lighter touch, use Greek yogurt instead.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, but frozen works too—just thaw and drain it.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enriches the dish. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free alternative.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. Low-sodium broth keeps it healthy.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste round out the flavor beautifully.
Prep and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This dish is quick enough for a weeknight simple meal, yet the flavors are lush enough for festive cooking too.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. As the garlic sizzles, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water!
- Add Broth and Tortellini: Stir in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add in 2 cups of tortellini, cooking according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes.
- Blend in Creaminess: Reduce heat and stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese until melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens, and your dish transforms into a comforting pasta dream.
- Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach: Toss in 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Watch as the vibrant greens wilt into the creamy mixture, adding a gorgeous pop of color.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon your One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy hot, with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Creative Variations:
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra heartiness.
- Herb Flair: Toss in fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Vegan Version: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream and use a plant-based tortellini. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a delightful umami flavor.
Serving Ideas:
This One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini shines as a standalone meal, but why not elevate the occasion? Serve it with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette and a glass of crisp white wine. Picture friends gathered around the table, laughter mingling with the scent of baked garlic bread as you all share in the joy of good food and great company.
Storing and Reheating:
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container for refrigeration. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s enough space for the tortellini to cook evenly.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust flavors to your liking; remember that cooking is personal.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes beforehand to make the cooking process smoother.
FAQs:
- Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
- What’s the best substitute for cream cheese? Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative, or try cashew cream for a plant-based option.
- Can I use another type of pasta? Absolutely! Just be mindful of the cooking time if you choose a different pasta shape.
Conclusion:
In a world that can sometimes feel hurried and chaotic, my One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini invites you to slow down, to savor the deliciously rich flavors, and to cherish the moments spent around the dinner table. It’s an easy meal filled with comforting ingredients that quickly becomes a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones, serve this creamy delight, and create memories one bite at a time. Happy cooking, my friends!
Contents
One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups tortellini Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic Fresh minced garlic is recommended.
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- 4 ounces cream cheese Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes Oil-packed for best flavor.
- 2 cups spinach Fresh spinach is preferred but frozen works too.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese Grated; can substitue with nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
- to taste seasonings Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Add in 2 cups of tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Toss in 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 cups of fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired, alongside crusty bread.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest