Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet – A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal

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When life feels like it’s moving a mile a minute, and you find yourself wondering what to make for dinner, you deserve a meal that’s not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. The Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet is the answer to your weeknight meal woes. It’s packed with flavors that blend perfectly together – from the rich creaminess of the sauce to the tang of tomatoes and the freshness of spinach and basil. This dish is one you’ll want to come back to again and again. And the best part? It’s ready in just 25 minutes.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through every step of making this delightful dish, including the ingredients, tips for making it your own, and some extra ideas to elevate your dinner. By the end, you’ll be ready to cook a hearty, comforting meal without any stress.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet Recipe

A well-rounded meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients, you can create something that feels both comforting and satisfying. The Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet hits all the right notes – creamy, fresh, and full of flavor. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, this dish takes only 25 minutes. Perfect for those busy nights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
• Rich & Flavorful: With the addition of garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan, the sauce coats the tortellini in the most delicious way. Fresh spinach and basil add a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor.
• Balanced & Nutritious: The spinach brings in some healthy greens, while the cheese adds protein. This makes it a well-rounded meal, perfect for a dinner that feels indulgent but is still nutritious.
• Customizable: Not feeling like tortellini? No problem! You can easily swap in another type of pasta, or even add in some grilled chicken or sausage if you want a protein boost.

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Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet

Before diving into the steps, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting dish. You probably already have many of these items in your kitchen, which makes this recipe all the more appealing. Here’s a handy list of everything you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Diced Tomatoes	20 oz	Canned, pureed and whole
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	Fresh for better flavor
Heavy Cream	1/2 cup	Adds creaminess and richness
Fresh Baby Spinach	2 cups	Wilted in the sauce
Fresh Basil	1/2 cup	Finely chopped for fresh flavor
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup + extra	Essential for creaminess
Dried Oregano	1/2 teaspoon	Adds depth of flavor
Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini	9 oz	Pre-cooked for ease
Vegetable Broth	1/2 cup	Adds savory undertones

This is your foundation for a simple yet flavorful meal. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses minimal ingredients, yet delivers maximum flavor. Now let’s get into the steps of cooking this creamy, comforting dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet

Making this creamy tomato basil tortellini skillet is easy and quick. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve in no time.

1. Puree the Tomatoes

To start, grab your food processor and puree 14 ounces of the diced tomatoes until smooth. This will create a rich, thick base for your sauce. You’ll keep the remaining 6 ounces of tomatoes for later, which will add texture and flavor when combined with the tortellini.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add your pureed tomatoes, minced garlic, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir the sauce regularly and let it thicken slightly – this should take about 5 minutes. You want the sauce to be creamy but not too thick, as it will continue to thicken as you add the rest of the ingredients.

3. Add the Spinach, Basil, Parmesan, and Oregano

Now it’s time to turn your skillet into a full-blown flavor explosion. Add your fresh spinach and basil, along with the grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese starts to melt into the sauce. This will add a nice depth of flavor and texture to your sauce.

4. Stir in the Tortellini and Remaining Tomatoes

Next, add the refrigerated tortellini and the remaining diced tomatoes (with liquid) to the skillet. Stir everything to combine, ensuring the tortellini is submerged in the sauce. The sauce should start to thicken and coat the tortellini.

5. Simmer and Add Vegetable Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and continue to stir. You might need to press the tortellini down into the sauce if it isn’t fully covered. Don’t worry if the sauce is a little thick at this point – just add a bit more cream or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the tortellini is warmed through.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is cooked and heated through, serve your creamy tomato basil tortellini hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese for that extra bit of flavor. You’ll love how creamy and savory it is, and the fresh basil adds a perfect aromatic touch.

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Nutritional Information of Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet

If you’re counting calories or watching your nutritional intake, it’s always helpful to know exactly what’s in the dish you’re about to enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet per serving:

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

This dish is hearty, but it’s also a balanced meal with good fats from the cream and cheese, and carbs from the tortellini. If you want to make it lighter, you can always substitute lighter cream, or use less cheese. The spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, making this a nourishing dish.

How to Serve and Pair This Recipe

This Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to add a little extra, here are some great pairing suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread to dip in that creamy tomato sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tortellini.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers make a great side dish to complement the meal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet

To ensure that your Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, spinach, and Parmesan cheese will make a huge difference in the overall flavor of the dish. Don’t skimp on the quality of these ingredients.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you like a thinner sauce, just add more broth or cream to loosen it up. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.
• Tortellini Variations: You can use different types of tortellini if you like – spinach and ricotta, or even meat-filled tortellini. Just make sure they’re refrigerated for the best texture.
• Seasoning: Taste your sauce as it cooks, and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Can I Make This Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet Ahead of Time?

Yes! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little more broth or cream if needed to bring it back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can absolutely be used. You’ll need to blanch and peel them before pureeing, which takes a little more time. Canned tomatoes are a convenient shortcut, but fresh tomatoes will give the dish an extra layer of flavor.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet is completely vegetarian. It’s a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free meal. However, you can easily add grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp if you want to add some protein.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese to keep it fully plant-based.

Conclusion – Why This Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet Is a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying, this Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet is exactly what you need. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

So, why not give it a try tonight? Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a meal that’s guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to top it off with some extra Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch!

Ready to make dinner tonight? Grab your ingredients and get cooking – you won’t regret it!

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