Creamy Tortellini with White Wine Cream Sauce & Vegetables: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner

Transform ordinary frozen tortellini into an extraordinary meal with this incredibly simple yet elegant recipe. Featuring tender vegetables and a rich white wine cream sauce, this dish is designed for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a quick, comforting, and customizable pasta dish that brings a touch of gourmet to your dinner table in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tortellini Recipe

This creamy tortellini dish isn’t just fast; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. The pillowy tortellini, the crisp-tender vegetables, and the luxurious white wine cream sauce create a harmonious blend that appeals to everyone. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple pantry staple into a meal that feels special enough for guests, yet easy enough for a casual family dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe offers a foolproof path to a delicious and satisfying dinner. Plus, it’s easily adaptable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite seasonal vegetables or even add a protein if desired.

Quick & Easy: Ready in Under 30 Minutes

One of the biggest advantages of this creamy tortellini recipe is its incredible speed. You can have a hearty, flavorful dinner on the table in less than half an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. The use of frozen tortellini eliminates prep time for the pasta itself, while quick-sautéing vegetables and simmering a simple cream sauce come together simultaneously, ensuring a seamless and efficient cooking process. It’s the perfect solution for a last-minute meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Tortellini

Creating this delicious creamy tortellini dish requires a few fresh staples and pantry essentials. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for best results:

• Frozen Cheese Tortellini: Opt for a good quality frozen tortellini, typically found in the freezer section of your grocery store. Cheese-filled tortellini works wonderfully, but you could also experiment with spinach or even meat-filled varieties for a different flavor profile. The frozen aspect makes this dish incredibly convenient.
• Red Bell Pepper: Diced finely, red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and a pleasant crunch to the dish. You can use other bell pepper colors if you prefer, but red offers the sweetest flavor.
• Onion: A diced yellow or white onion forms the aromatic base for the sautéed vegetables, providing a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Frozen Peas: These bright green gems add a pop of color, mild sweetness, and extra vegetable goodness. Make sure to thaw them before adding to the skillet to ensure even heating.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for building a robust flavor profile. Two cloves provide a good balance, but feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, a good quality extra virgin olive oil will impart a subtle fruity note.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the sauce. It contributes to the richness and luxurious texture of the cream sauce.
• White Wine: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay (unoaked), is essential for deglazing the pan and adding a complex, acidic note that balances the creaminess. If you prefer not to use alcohol, a good quality vegetable broth can be substituted.
• Half and Half: This provides the creamy body for the sauce. For an even richer sauce, use heavy cream. For a lighter version, milk can be used, though the sauce will be less thick and decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a salty, umami depth. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes clump, so grating it yourself is recommended for the smoothest sauce. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are also good alternatives.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors. Always season to taste, adding gradually.
• Fresh Basil: Finely chopped fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish that brightens the entire dish. It’s best added at the very end to preserve its delicate flavor.

Simple Steps to Crafting Your Creamy Tortellini

Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious Creamy Tortellini with White Wine Cream Sauce and Vegetables:

1. Start the Tortellini Water: Begin by heating a large pot of water for the tortellini according to the package directions. Make sure to generously salt the water, as this is your first opportunity to season the pasta itself.
2. Prepare Your Aromatics and Vegetables: While the water comes to a boil, take this time to mince your garlic cloves and dice the red bell pepper and onion. If using frozen peas, ensure they are thawed.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly softened.
4. Add Garlic and Peas: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the thawed frozen peas and cook until they are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Set Aside Vegetables: Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl. This prevents them from overcooking while you prepare the sauce.
6. Begin the White Wine Cream Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it, as the leftover flavor will enhance the sauce), melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the white wine. Allow the butter and wine to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, which helps to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the wine’s flavor.
7. Add Half and Half: Stir in the half and half, mixing it thoroughly with the wine and butter mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, but do not let it come to a rolling boil.
8. Cook the Tortellini: As the sauce is simmering, add the frozen tortellini to the boiling salted water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 2-3 minutes for frozen).
9. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering cream sauce, stirring constantly until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Adding it slowly helps prevent clumping.
10. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and fresh basil to your liking. Remember that Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
11. Combine and Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it well and return it to its cooking pot or add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Add the reserved sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamy Tortellini

This rich and flavorful creamy tortellini pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that can complement its decadent nature or offer a fresh contrast. Here are some excellent suggestions:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic choice. Its acidity and crisp texture cut through the richness of the cream sauce, providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
  • Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus spears offer a tender bite and vibrant green color. A squeeze of lemon juice on top adds a nice zest.
  • Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas: Quick-sautéed sugar snap peas maintain their crunch and natural sweetness, making them an excellent textural addition.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Green Beans: Roasting brings out the sweetness in these vegetables and adds a slightly charred flavor that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread or a crusty baguette. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious white wine cream sauce.
• Light Protein (if desired): While this dish is hearty on its own, you can easily add a lean protein.
  • Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Lightly seasoned and grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp can be served alongside or mixed directly into the pasta for a more substantial meal.
• Wine Pairing: Continue the theme with a glass of the same dry white wine you used in the sauce, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines offer crisp acidity that complements creamy dishes.
• Light Dessert: For dessert, consider something light and refreshing, like fresh berries, a fruit sorbet, or a simple panna cotta, to cleanse the palate after the rich main course.

Recipe Card

Creamy Tortellini with White Wine Sauce

3.67 from 3 votes

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this easy-to-make creamy tortellini featuring vibrant vegetables and a delicious white wine cream sauce.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian, Vegetarian

Servings 5 servings

Calories 634

Ingredients

  

• 19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• olive oil as needed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• salt, to taste
• fresh basil, to taste

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Instructions

• Heat the water for the tortellini according to package directions, ensuring it’s generously salted.
• While the water for the tortellini is heating, mince 2 cloves garlic and dice 1 red bell pepper and 1 onion.
• Thaw 1 cup frozen peas.
• Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper in olive oil as needed in a large skillet over medium heat until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Finally, add the thawed peas and heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add ¼ cup white wine and simmer together for 1-2 minutes to deglaze the pan and reduce slightly. Then, stir in 1 cup half and half and mix well.
• Add 19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically for 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually add 1 cup Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until fully incorporated and smooth.
• Season the luscious sauce with salt and fresh, chopped basil to taste.
• Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it thoroughly and return it to the large pot or add it to the skillet with the sauce.
• Add the creamy sauce and the reserved sautéed vegetables to the tortellini. Toss everything together gently until well combined and coated. Serve immediately for best enjoyment.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 634 calCarbohydrates: 58 gProtein: 27 gFat: 32 gSodium: 1126 mgFiber: 6 gSugar: 7 g

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Tips for Success with Your Creamy Tortellini

While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve the best results:

• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Frozen tortellini cooks very quickly, often in just 2-3 minutes. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its delightful texture. Follow package directions closely and taste-test for al dente.
• Choose Your Wine Wisely: Use a dry white wine that you would enjoy drinking. The flavor of the wine will concentrate in the sauce, so a good quality wine makes a difference. If omitting wine, use a flavorful vegetable broth.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty or prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and provides a superior flavor.
• Gradually Add Cheese: To prevent the cheese from clumping or seizing, add it to the simmering sauce gradually, stirring constantly until each addition is melted before adding more. Keep the heat on medium-low.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When sautéing vegetables, ensure your skillet is large enough not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding can steam the vegetables instead of searing them, leading to a less desirable texture.
• Season to Taste: Always taste your sauce before adding too much salt. Parmesan cheese is salty, and you might need less added salt than you think. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Delicious Variations to Try

This creamy tortellini recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and ingredients you have on hand:

• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), diced zucchini, or even finely chopped asparagus would be excellent additions.
• Boost the Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked protein.
  • Chicken: Sauté diced chicken breast or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken along with the initial vegetables.
  • Shrimp: Add raw shrimp to the skillet after the vegetables are removed, cooking until pink and opaque before setting aside and adding back with the tortellini.
  • Sausage: Cook crumbled Italian sausage (mild or spicy) and drain any excess fat before proceeding with the recipe.
• Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, a blend of cheeses can be delightful. Try adding a touch of mascarpone for extra richness, or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for a melty texture.
• Make it Lighter: If you want to reduce the richness, you can use skim milk instead of half and half, or a combination of milk and vegetable broth. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
• A Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can provide a pleasant kick.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious creamy tortellini, they can be stored and reheated for another meal.

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Creamy pasta dishes can sometimes thicken considerably when chilled. To reheat, transfer the tortellini to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or vegetable broth (1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir gently and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of liquid before heating and stirring halfway through. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

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