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Homemade Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini photo

Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini

A quick, creamy tortellini skillet with tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 20 oz refrigerated three-cheese tortellini package
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/4 cup milk 2% recommended
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach packed, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh oregano chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely shredded, plus more for serving
  • red pepper flakes for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large deep skillet or saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the refrigerated tortellini according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic, flour, and onion powder to the melted butter and cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
  5. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce just begins to simmer and thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, chopped basil, oregano, and the 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan; season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Reduce the heat a little and simmer for several minutes until the sauce is thickened and the cheese has melted.
  8. Add the drained tortellini to the sauce and toss to combine, thinning the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water or additional milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
  9. Serve warm, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes.

Notes

  • Use 2% or whole milk for best creaminess.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the flavor but dried oregano may be used.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.