Description

This cheese tortellini recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal, featuring tender pasta pillows swimming in a rich sauce. It is perfect for busy families, budget-conscious cooks, and anyone craving hearty comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

567 g fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
794 g (28 oz) jarred pasta sauce (marinara, creamy tomato, or pesto)
140 g fresh spinach
3 cloves garlic, minced
15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil
60 g (0.5 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook for 7-10 minutes until al dente, plump, and tender. Do not overcook to avoid mushiness.
Prepare Sauce Base: While tortellini cooks, heat 15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, watching to prevent burning.
Combine and Simmer: Pour in pasta sauce and bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted and vibrant green. Season with salt and pepper.
Finish and Serve: Drain cooked tortellini and add directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

To avoid overcooked tortellini, reduce cooking time slightly if needed. If the sauce is watery, simmer it longer to reduce, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste for thickness. For bland flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. Consider doubling the spinach for extra vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 300 g)
Calories: 550 calories
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: easy dinner, cheese tortellini, family-friendly, comfort food, quick meal, weeknight, pasta, spinach