Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini
A comforting and creamy dish that combines fresh cheese tortellini with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and a rich cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Fresh Cheese Tortellini Look for high-quality, refrigerated versions for best texture.
Sauce Base
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing.
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced for robust flavor.
- 8 oz Mushrooms Sliced cremini or button mushrooms are ideal.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Can be swapped with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated is best.
- 1 dash Nutmeg Enhances flavors.
- to taste Salt For seasoning.
- to taste Pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Cooking the Tortellini
- Begin by boiling your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a splash of the pasta water for later.
Sautéing the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to let it burn.
Adding the Mushrooms
- Toss in the sliced mushrooms, cooking until they’re tender and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Incorporating the Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, which takes only a couple of minutes.
Creating the Cream Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan. Stir well, allowing it to bubble gently. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Seasoning
- Add a dash of nutmeg, along with salt and pepper to taste, to elevate this dish to perfection.
Combining
- Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy mixture, ensuring every piece is lovingly coated in that luscious sauce.
Serving
- Once mixed well, serve immediately with a bit more grated Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper.
Notes
For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a fragrant twist. For a vegan option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free tortellini.