There’s something magical about a bowl of cheesy, saucy pasta—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. And when you throw in tender tortellini swimming in a rich, garlicky spinach cream sauce? Game over. This Creamy Spinach Tortellini is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that’ll have you sneaking bites straight from the pan before it even hits the table.
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Spinach Tortellini
Versatile: Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner party. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients that don’t break the bank. No need for fancy add-ins—just good, wholesome flavors.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll have no trouble whipping this up.
Customizable: Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes. Want extra veggies? Toss in mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is all about making it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who can resist cheese-stuffed pasta in a creamy sauce? This one’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Creamy Spinach Tortellini
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:
Tortellini: The heart of the recipe—soft, pillowy pasta filled with cheese that soaks up all that creamy goodness.
Butter and Garlic: The flavor dream team that starts the sauce off right. Garlic brings that warm, aromatic depth, while butter adds richness.
Heavy Cream: The key to the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce. It wraps around every bite of tortellini like a warm embrace.
Parmesan Cheese: Because a creamy pasta dish without Parmesan is just unfinished business. It melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty kick.
Spinach: For a pop of color and freshness. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get in some greens while still indulging.
Seasonings: A pinch of salt, black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg take the sauce from good to gourmet.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.
Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for that creamy, cheesy texture.
Toss in the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. This only takes a minute or two.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing to coat in the sauce.
Final Touches: Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Give it a taste and adjust as needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate up the creamy tortellini, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, and dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Tortellini
This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are some ways to take it up a notch:
Fresh Salads: A simple arugula or Caesar salad adds a crisp contrast to the rich sauce.
Crusty Bread: Garlic bread or a toasted baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Roasted Veggies: Try serving it with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
Protein Add-Ins: Want to make it heartier? Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can chop the garlic and grate the Parmesan ahead of time for an even quicker meal.
Make It Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
Freezer Friendly: This dish freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A1: Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
Q2: Can I add protein to this dish?
A2: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon would be delicious.
Q3: How do I make it spicier?
A3: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Yes, just use gluten-free tortellini and check that your Parmesan is GF-certified.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A5: Warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.
Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Sure! Asiago, Gruyère, or Pecorino Romano would work beautifully.
Q7: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A7: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch.
Q8: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A8: Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it in.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Use whole wheat tortellini, light cream, and add extra veggies.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just use a bigger pan to avoid overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Spinach Tortellini is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. It’s rich, cozy, and full of comforting flavors—all while being ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Print
Creamy Spinach Tortellini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this Creamy Tortellini recipe, a warm and comforting vegetarian pasta dish packed with fresh spinach, garlic, and gooey melted cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy spring meal. The rich, creamy sauce combined with cheese tortellini makes this dish irresistible! Try this for a high-protein meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
- 15 oz (400g) cheese tortellini, refrigerated
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, grated
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach, fresh
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 2 Tbsp parsley or basil, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Alternatively, to make it a one-pan meal, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the tortellini and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown.
- Reduce the heat and add the milk, stirring for 1 minute.
- Add the sour cream and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the garlic, scallions, tomato, spinach, and parsley. Season with black pepper.
- Add the grated mozzarella cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens further. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat, serve immediately, and top with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg