Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 oz pack cheese and spinach tortellini; 1 roma tomato, diced; 2 tbsp fresh basil, diced; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated + extra for garnish; 1/8 tsp crushed chili pepper flakes; Salt, to taste

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The Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines silky, cheesy tortellini with a luscious tomato cream sauce, bursting with fresh basil and a hint of spice. This dish brings together the best of comfort and elegance in one bowl, making it perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with effortless flavor. The balance between the fresh diced roma tomato and aromatic basil elevates the creamy sauce, giving each bite a vibrant and satisfying taste you’ll keep coming back to.

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in building the rich texture, fresh flavors, and beautiful color of the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini. From the buttery base to the fresh herbs, every component adds something special to the dish.

20 oz pack cheese and spinach tortellini: The star pasta that brings cheesy goodness wrapped in delicate pasta pockets.
1 roma tomato, diced: Adds brightness and a slight tang that cuts through the richness.
2 tbsp basil, diced: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal note that makes the sauce sing.
1 tbsp garlic, minced: Imparts a warm, savory depth that complements the tomato perfectly.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives the sauce its creamy, velvety consistency.
3 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a rich foundation and helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds a subtle savory layer and balances the creaminess.
1 cup milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and adds mild creaminess without heaviness.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings luxurious silkiness and body to the sauce.
1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
1/8 tsp crushed chili pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick that prevents the dish from feeling too rich.
Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions until they are perfectly tender. Draining them carefully ensures that they don’t get soggy once incorporated into the sauce, preserving that delightful chew that makes this dish so satisfying.

Step 2: Create the Roux and Sauté the Garlic

While the tortellini cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. This roux is the magic base that thickens the sauce, giving it that signature creamy texture without any lumps.

Step 3: Add Liquids Gradually

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, milk, and heavy cream, whisking continuously to blend everything smoothly. Bringing this mixture to a gentle simmer helps thicken the sauce evenly, making it luxuriously creamy and ready to envelop the tortellini in flavor.

Step 4: Enhance with Cheese and Seasonings

Once simmering, stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a rich and savory foundation. Then, add in the diced roma tomato, fresh basil, and crushed chili pepper flakes for bursts of freshness and a subtle heat that elevate the overall profile. Season with salt to taste, balancing all the flavors perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Tortellini and Sauce

Finally, add the drained tortellini to the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece thoroughly. This ensures that each bite is filled with that irresistible creamy tomato basil goodness. Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan for an elegant finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can really elevate the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini. Sprinkle additional freshly grated parmesan cheese and a few torn basil leaves on top just before serving. If you enjoy a little heat, a tiny pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a lovely contrast. These simple touches add both visual appeal and extra layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

Complement your Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini with light sides that balance the richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is ideal to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up the heavenly sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make a fresh and tasty accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the tortellini in individual shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. You could also scatter some sun-dried tomatoes or a few dollops of pesto for extra bursts of flavor and color. This dish is both versatile and visually inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the sauce fresh and the tortellini tender without becoming mushy.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but the delicate cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed. To minimize this, cool the tortellini completely before freezing and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw gently overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwaving is also fine but do so in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from splitting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cheese and spinach tortellini works perfectly and can even make this dish quicker to prepare. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time as per package instructions.

Is there a vegetarian option for the broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian without losing any flavor. Just choose a good quality broth to maintain that savory depth.

Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try using half-and-half or extra milk in place of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For the authentic Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini experience, heavy cream is best.

How spicy is this dish with chili flakes?

The crushed chili flakes add a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. You can adjust the amount to your taste or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?

Definitely! Doubling the ingredients works well, just make sure to use a larger saucepan to cook the sauce evenly and stir frequently to prevent it from sticking or burning.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini that feels both comforting and sophisticated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers an impressive meal full of fresh flavors and satisfying textures. I urge you to give this a try soon—you’ll find it’s easy to love and even easier to share with those you care about.

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini recipe combines tender cheese and spinach tortellini with a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce, fresh roma tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The sauce is enriched with heavy cream and finished with a hint of crushed chili pepper flakes for subtle heat, making it a comforting yet elegant pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal.

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Cook the cheese and spinach tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini well and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking until the mixture is combined and slightly bubbly, creating a roux base for the sauce.
Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, milk, and heavy cream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Incorporate Cheese: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until it has fully melted and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Add Tomatoes, Basil, and Seasoning: Stir in the diced roma tomato, fresh basil, and crushed chili pepper flakes. Taste the sauce and add salt as needed to balance the flavors.
Combine and Serve: Add the drained tortellini to the creamy tomato basil sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference or omit if you prefer no heat.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and provides better flavor than pre-grated cheese.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Simmering, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian