Creamy Basil Tortellini Delight
Indulge in this luscious Creamy Basil Tortellini Delight, a delightful fusion of fresh cheese tortellini enveloped in a rich and velvety basil cream sauce. This dish brings together the aromatic flavors of sautéed shallots and garlic, a splash of white wine, and the creaminess of parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is not only easy to make but will also have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an elegant finish.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shallots
2 (minced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Flour
1 tablespoon
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
White wine
1/4 cup
Cream
1 1/4 cups
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
Fresh basil
2/3 ounce (chopped)
Fresh basil leaves
2-3 (for garnish)
Fresh cheese-filled tortellini
18 ounces (cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux.
3
Deglaze the pan by slowly adding the white wine, allowing it to simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol while enhancing the flavor.
4
Gradually pour in the cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, approximately 4-5 minutes.
5
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, continuing to mix until fully incorporated and creamy, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
6
Add the chopped fresh basil, stirring to combine, before removing the saucepan from heat.
7
Combine the cooked tortellini with the basil cream sauce in the saucepan, tossing gently to ensure each piece is well-coated.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
Nutrition Information
16.7
Fat
20
Carbs
8.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Basil Tortellini Delight?
It is a luscious pasta dish featuring fresh cheese-filled tortellini enveloped in a rich, velvety basil cream sauce made with parmesan, garlic, and shallots.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and uses cheese-filled tortellini and cream-based sauce components.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What type of tortellini is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 18 ounces of fresh cheese-filled tortellini, cooked and drained.
How long should I sauté the shallots and garlic?
You should sauté the minced shallots and garlic in butter for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the butter and aromatics?
The flour is sprinkled over the mixture and stirred for 1 minute to create a roux, which serves as the thickening agent for the sauce.
Why is white wine used in the recipe?
White wine is used to deglaze the pan, adding depth of flavor and acidity to balance the richness of the cream.
How long does it take for the cream sauce to thicken?
After adding the cream, you should whisk continuously for approximately 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Can I substitute the cream with something else?
While the recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of cream for a rich texture, you could use half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly less velvety.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, which is stirred in until the sauce is fully incorporated and creamy.
How much fresh basil is needed?
You will need 2/3 ounce of chopped fresh basil for the sauce, plus 2-3 extra leaves for garnish.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small splash of additional cream or a tablespoon of the pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a comfort food, making it ideal for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 16.7 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 8.3 grams of protein per serving in this recipe.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for the best flavor profile, but if you must use dried, use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh.
What is the carbohydrate count?
This recipe contains 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to cook the tortellini before adding it to the sauce?
Yes, the tortellini should be cooked and drained according to package directions before being tossed with the basil cream sauce.
What size pan should I use?
A medium saucepan is recommended for melting the butter and preparing the cream sauce.
What are the primary aromatics used?
The primary aromatics are 2 minced shallots and 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the alcohol in the white wine cooked off?
Yes, the wine is allowed to simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol while enhancing the flavor of the dish.
How should I garnish this dish?
Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and an elegant finish.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as pasta, italian, cheese tortellini, basil, cream sauce, comfort food, main dish, quick meal, and vegetarian.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes would complement the basil cream sauce very well.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What type of flour should I use?
Standard all-purpose flour works best for creating the roux in this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a mild and creamy dish, though you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used as long as it is boiled and drained before being added to the sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 specific ingredients listed for this Creamy Basil Tortellini Delight.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while hot to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.