Description
Cheese tortellini brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with its rich, velvety sauce and tender pasta pockets. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Establish a large pot of water with a generous pinch of salt, preparing it to transform into a bubbling liquid for the tortellini’s cooking journey.
- Submerge the tortellini into the vigorously boiling water, allowing them to dance and soften for approximately 7-9 minutes if frozen, or slightly less if fresh. Keep a vigilant eye on their texture, aiming for that perfect al dente consistency.
- Extract one cup of the starchy cooking liquid as a potential sauce modifier, then carefully drain the tortellini and set them aside in a temporary resting place.
- Return the same pot to the heat, introducing butter to create a silky foundation. Introduce minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing them to mingle and release their aromatic essence for about a minute without browning.
- Gently cascade the heavy cream into the pot, coaxing it to a gentle simmer and letting it thicken slightly over 2-3 minutes of careful attention.
- Incorporate the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, luxurious sauce that promises culinary delight.
- Reunite the cooked tortellini with the cream sauce, ensuring each pasta pillow is thoroughly embraced by the velvety coating. Should the sauce appear too dense, gradually introduce the reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal consistency.
- Transfer the creamy creation to serving vessels, adorning with delicate fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for those craving extra indulgence.
- Present immediately, celebrating the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that define this comforting dish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water strategically as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and prevent dryness.
- Choose high-quality cheese tortellini from refrigerated section for best texture and authentic flavor profile.
- Avoid browning garlic to maintain delicate, sweet undertones and prevent bitter taste in the sauce.
- When stirring Parmesan, use low heat to create smooth, silky sauce without cheese separation or graininess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 80mg