Creamy Marinara Tortellini (27 Minutes)

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Try this creamy marinara tortellini for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to please!

It’s a straightforward dish combining cheese-filled tortellini with a rich blend of marinara sauce and cream. Ideal for busy evenings or when you need a tasty dinner without much fuss, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and a comforting option for any night of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe offers both ease and flavor in one satisfying package.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini (7-10 minutes):
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Sauce (10 minutes):
    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Tortellini and Sauce (2 minutes):
    Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the creamy marinara sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Garnish and Serve (1 minute):
    Once the tortellini are well-coated and the sauce is heated through, remove from heat. Serve the creamy marinara tortellini garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

The key to this dish lies in the quality of the ingredients, so opt for a good marinara sauce and fresh tortellini if possible. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat or a splash of white wine for depth.

Perfect for a night in or a casual dinner party, this dish promises to transport your taste buds straight to Italy with each creamy, savory bite. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Knots

Start with some store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience. Roll it out on a floured surface and slice it into even strips. Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot, placing each one onto a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven and let them bake until they're golden and slightly puffed. While they're doing their magic in the oven, melt some butter in a pan and sauté finely minced garlic until it's fragrant but not browned. Add a sprinkle of salt, parsley, and maybe even a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to this buttery concoction. Once the knots are out of the oven and still warm, generously brush them with your garlic butter mixture.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Begin with fresh Brussels sprouts, trimming the ends and cutting them in half for a flat, roasting surface. In a mixing bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each one is glistening and ready for the oven's heat. Now, drizzle them with good-quality balsamic vinegar, which will reduce and caramelize as they roast, imparting a deep, rich flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance out that balsamic sweetness. Spread the sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring each one has space to become crisp. Roast in a preheated oven until they’re beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the outside, while maintaining a tender bite inside.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!