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Easy How to Cook Tortellini photo

How to Cook Tortellini

A quick, creamy tomato and spinach sauce tossed with cheese tortellini for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package cheese tortellini (dried, frozen, or fresh) prepare per package instructions
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can crushed tomato large can
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp raw sugar
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated, fresh is best; plus more to taste

Equipment

  • large pot (for boiling tortellini)
  • large skillet or stainless steel pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Slotted spoon or spider
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • small bowl and whisk or fork

Method
 

  1. Prepare the tortellini according to package instructions, then reserve a cup of the cooking water and keep the tortellini warm or set aside with a little oil so they don't stick.
  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts.
  3. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes (including juices), salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, cumin, dried basil, and raw sugar; bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes.
  6. Add the fresh spinach all at once, cover the pan, and let it wilt, stirring occasionally; if the sauce becomes too dry, add up to 1/4 cup water at a time as needed.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the milk and heavy cream until smooth, then pour this mixture into the tomato and spinach sauce and stir to combine.
  8. Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and incorporated.
  9. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tortellini to the sauce, gently fold to coat (add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen the sauce), and heat until everything is warmed through.
  10. Serve immediately and top with additional Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Use dried, frozen, or fresh tortellini per availability.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Fresh grated Parmesan melts best and improves flavor.
  • Frozen tortellini can be added directly to the sauce and heated through.
  • You may substitute a jarred tomato sauce for convenience.