Creamy Spinach Tortellini in Tomato Basil Sauce
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Spinach Tortellini in Tomato Basil Sauce, a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe features tender cheese-filled tortellini tossed with vibrant spinach in a luscious creamy tomato sauce enriched with fresh basil. Ideal for family dinners or impressive gatherings, every bite bursts with flavor and warmth. Share this easy-to-make dish with loved ones for a satisfying meal they won't forget!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup (chopped)
Italian plum tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (none)
Fresh basil or dried basil
1 sprig or 1/2 teaspoon (none)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (at room temperature)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper, freshly ground
to taste (none)
Cheese-filled spinach tortellini
2 (9 ounce) packages (fresh or frozen)
Spinach leaves, packed
2 cups (stems trimmed, rinsed well)
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/4-1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for the tortellini. Don't forget to season it generously with salt.
2
2. While the water is heating, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
3
3. Stir in the entire contents of the can of Italian plum tomatoes along with their juice and the basil (either fresh or dried). Increase the heat to medium and cook the sauce uncovered, stirring occasionally and breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4
4. Once the sauce has thickened, gently stir in the heavy cream. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, for another 5 minutes until it achieves a creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then keep the sauce warm on low heat.
5
5. By this time, your pot of water should be boiling. Add the cheese-filled spinach tortellini and cook according to the package directions. Approximately 2 minutes before the tortellini is done, add the fresh spinach leaves to the boiling water and cook until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes more.
6
6. Drain the tortellini and spinach well and transfer them to a large serving bowl. Spoon the creamy tomato basil sauce generously over the top, and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
7
7. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Tortellini in Tomato Basil Sauce?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring cheese-filled tortellini and fresh spinach tossed in a luscious creamy tomato sauce flavored with fresh basil.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses cheese-filled tortellini and plant-based vegetables and seasonings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What type of tortellini should I use?
You should use two 9-ounce packages of cheese-filled spinach tortellini, which can be either fresh or frozen.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, if you do not have a sprig of fresh basil, you can substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
What kind of tomatoes are best for the sauce?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of Italian plum tomatoes for the most authentic flavor.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The finely chopped onions should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should use the entire contents of the can, including the juice, to create the sauce.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
When should I add the heavy cream?
Add the heavy cream once the tomato sauce has thickened, then cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Should the heavy cream be cold?
It is recommended to use heavy cream that is at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce.
How do I prepare the fresh spinach?
The spinach leaves should have their stems trimmed and be rinsed well before being added to the dish.
When do I add the spinach to the pot?
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the boiling pasta water approximately 2 minutes before the tortellini is finished cooking.
How much spinach is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 packed cups of fresh spinach leaves.
How do I cook the tortellini?
Cook the tortellini in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to the package directions.
What type of oil is used for the base of the sauce?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the onions at the start of the sauce preparation.
What cheese is used for garnish?
The dish is topped with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How do I break up the plum tomatoes?
As the sauce simmers, use a spoon to break up the whole plum tomatoes into smaller pieces.
How should I season the sauce?
Season the creamy tomato sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your personal taste preference.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, either fresh or frozen cheese-filled spinach tortellini will work for this recipe.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the tortellini.
How long do I cook the sauce after adding the cream?
Continue cooking the sauce, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until it reaches a creamy texture.
How is the dish assembled?
Drain the tortellini and spinach, transfer to a bowl, spoon the sauce over them, and sprinkle with parmesan.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This comforting pasta dish is best served hot.
What size skillet is needed?
A medium skillet is sufficient for sautéing the onions and simmering the tomato basil sauce.
Can I use regular round tomatoes instead?
While plum tomatoes are recommended for their texture and flavor in sauces, you can substitute others, though the result may vary.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes uncovered until it reaches the desired thickness.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
Should the sauce be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should be cooked uncovered to allow it to thicken properly.
Is this a good dish for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as an impressive dish perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family meal.