Tortellini with Tomato Cream Sauce
This recipe features cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a creamy tomato sauce. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that is relatively quick and easy to prepare. The combination of tender pasta, rich cream, and tangy tomatoes creates a delightful balance of flavors. This recipe serves approximately four people.
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 1 package about 18 ounces cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
The filling of Italian tortellini is a crucial component that adds flavor and texture to the pasta. Traditionally, tortellini filling consists of a blend of ingredients that often include meat, cheese, and herbs. Here's a description of some common tortellini fillings:
- Meat-based filling: This classic filling typically includes a mixture of ground pork loin, prosciutto, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The meats are finely ground and combined with the cheese to create a savory and rich filling.
- Cheese-based filling: A popular alternative to the meat filling is a cheese-based filling. It usually consists of a combination of cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, ricotta, and sometimes a touch of mozzarella. This filling is creamy, smooth, and suitable for vegetarians.
- Spinach and cheese filling: Another vegetarian option is a filling made with spinach and cheese. Fresh spinach is blanched, finely chopped, and mixed with cheeses like ricotta and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The spinach adds a vibrant green color and a hint of earthiness to the tortellini.
- Mushroom filling: For a flavorful and earthy twist, mushrooms can be used as a filling ingredient. The mushrooms are sautéed until tender and combined with cheese and herbs to create a savory and aromatic filling.
- Pumpkin filling: In some regions of Italy, tortellini can be filled with a sweet and savory pumpkin filling. Cooked pumpkin is mashed and combined with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, nutmeg, and sometimes amaretti cookies for added sweetness.