Description
A vibrant dish combining cheese tortellini with fresh summer vegetables for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (20 oz / 500 g) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add zucchini and bell peppers and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Toss in the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the tomatoes start to burst and the spinach wilts.
- Step 4: Season the vegetables with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add the drained tortellini and gently toss to combine everything.
- Step 5: Drizzle in lemon juice, sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Notes
Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. Feel free to substitute any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: tortellini, summer vegetables, Italian, quick dinner, vegetarian