When I’m not in the mood to spend all day in the kitchen, I love whipping up a deliciously easy meal like this tortellini with tomato sauce.
As an Italian, I take pride in my cooking. But there are occasions when I seek simplicity, and this tortellini fits perfectly.
To make this tomato sauce tortellini, all it takes is 15 minutes to be ready to eat.
No fuss, no muss—just perfect!
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight supper or feeding a crowd, tortellini with tomato sauce always hits the spot.
What are tortellini
Tortellini are a classic Italian pasta shape that originated in Bologna.
They are small, ring-shaped pasta typically stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Use a few cloves of garlic, minced or thinly sliced. You can also substitute garlic powder.
Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil.
Cherry tomatoes: I love using a mix of cherry tomatoes (Black Cherry, Sungold, Sweet Million cherry tomato) , but feel free to use regular tomatoes instead if you prefer!
Basil: Fresh basil leaves are a must to pair with tomato
Fresh cream (optional): Add a couple of tablespoons of fresh cream to create a creamy tomato sauce.
This step is optional but highly recommended.
Tortellini: Choose your favorite type of tortellini, whether it’s filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
You can find them fresh, frozen, or even make your own from scratch.
Salt and black pepper: To season.
Parmesan cheese: To finish.
how to prepare tortellini pasta with tomato sauce
In a large skillet, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until it becomes fragrant, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in one ladle of pasta water.
Season with basil, salt and pepper, cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally,until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
Gently smash some of the tomatoes using the back of a wooden spoon to release more of their juice.
Stir in the cream (if using).
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
Drain the tortellini, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Add the cooked tortellini to the tomato sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the pasta water.
Serve the tortellini with tomato sauce with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for best results
- Don’t overcook the tortellini—they should be tender but still have a bite. Always check the cooking time indicated in the package.
- Before draining the tortellini, save a cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
How to store Store
If you have leftovers, store them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for three days.
When reheating, gently warm up the tortellini in a pan or in the microwave until they’re heated through.
What To Serve With Tortellini
Tortellini is a complete meal, but you can also serve it with delicious accompaniments.
Here are a few ideas:
Garlic bread: A side of warm, garlicky bread is perfect for dipping into the tomato sauce.
A green salad with Italian vinaigrette.
Roasted vegetables: For flavor and added nutrition, serve roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant alongside the tortellini.
A charcuterie board with cheeses and olives to serve before as a starter while cooking tomato sauce tortellini.
FAQ’s
Can you cook tortellini straight from frozen?
Yes, you can cook tortellini straight from frozen. Simply add the frozen tortellini to the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes or until they float to the top and are tender.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, the sauce goes well with all types of pasta, like ravioli, penne, or spaghetti.
best sauce for tortellini
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Tortellini with tomato sauce
If you're in the mood for a deliciously easy meal, you've got to try out this amazing tortellini with tomato sauce recipe. It's quick, simple, and oh-so-tasty!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 11 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved (you can also use regular tomatoes, chopped)
- Few fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional)
- 9 oz fresh or frozen tortellini
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté the garlic in olive oil over medium- low heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, 1 ladle of water, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, gently mashing the tomatoes with a the back of a spoon as they soften.
- If using cream, stir it in now. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions in salted boiling water until they float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the tortellini and add them to the tomato sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve your tortellini with tomato sauce sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 608Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 867mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 20g
Nutrition is automatically calculated by Nutritionix - please verify all nutrition information independently and consult with a doctor or nutritionist for any and all medical and diet advice.
