This creamy Tuscan Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food, featuring cheese-filled tortellini, savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is full of flavor and comes together quickly for an easy yet indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tuscan Tortellini is a simple yet decadent dish that combines the delightful texture of tortellini with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The creamy garlic sauce pulls everything together, creating a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and its vibrant colors make it just as great for a special occasion!

Tuscan Tortellini

Ingredients

For the Tortellini:

1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Add Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the tortellini is heated through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein to make the dish heartier.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a little kick.
Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a fully plant-based version.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles instead of tortellini for a lower-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the tortellini in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought tortellini?

Yes, store-bought tortellini works perfectly for this recipe. You can use either fresh or frozen tortellini.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the tortellini and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine and heat everything together.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Romano, Asiago, or Pecorino cheese for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To avoid curdling, make sure the heat is low when you add the cream and keep stirring. You can also temper the cream by gradually adding a bit of the hot broth to the cream before mixing it in with the rest of the sauce.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free tortellini and ensure the broth is also gluten-free for a gluten-free version.

7. How do I store leftover sauce?

Store leftover sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a little extra cream or broth to thin it out if needed.

8. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish for extra flavor and texture.

9. How do I know when the tortellini is done?

Tortellini is usually done when it floats to the surface of the water. Taste a piece to ensure it’s tender and cooked through.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

While tortellini can be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate upon freezing. It’s best to freeze the tortellini and sauce separately and then reheat before combining them.

Conclusion

Tuscan Tortellini is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, and packed with delicious ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will definitely impress everyone at the table!