Easy Tortellini Alfredo
A quick and comforting dish featuring tender tortellini enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups tortellini (fresh or frozen) Swap spinach tortellini for a pop of color and flavor!
- 4 tablespoons butter Unsalted is best, but if you have salted on hand, just reduce the added salt.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Optional: Add more if you love garlic!
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, use half-and-half or milk.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Always opt for fresh for that gooey melt!
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This elevates the dish visually and adds a hint of freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the tortellini cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the butter.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce until thickened.
- Once the tortellini is done cooking, reserve a cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the tortellini to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
This dish is best enjoyed immediately. For variations, try adding sautéed spinach, cooked chicken, or red pepper flakes for more flavor.