Easy Brown Butter Spinach Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Brown Butter Spinach Tortellini is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. The nutty brown butter sauce complements the tender tortellini, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 19 oz cheese tortellini (frozen)
• 6 tbsp butter (salted)
• 8 oz fresh spinach
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (washed)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic (pressed)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the tortellini for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
2. Step 2: Place the spinach in a colander and drain the cooked tortellini over it to wilt the spinach.
3. Step 3: Return the empty pot to the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and cook until it bubbles and turns brown with a rich nutty aroma, about 2-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the pressed garlic, cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat, return the tortellini and wilted spinach to the pot, and toss everything to coat evenly in the brown butter sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
• Use baby kale instead of spinach for a different texture and taste.
• Swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes to intensify the tomato flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini can be used. Adjust the cooking time according to package instructions, usually 1-2 minutes or until they float.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh garlic will provide the best flavor for this dish.

Easy Brown Butter Spinach Tortellini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and delicious recipe featuring cheese tortellini tossed in a rich brown butter sauce with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. This easy pasta dish combines the nutty flavor of brown butter with vibrant greens and juicy tomatoes for a comforting meal ready in under 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 19 oz cheese tortellini (frozen)

Brown Butter Sauce

• 6 tbsp butter (salted)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic (pressed)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Vegetables

• 8 oz fresh spinach
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (washed)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the frozen cheese tortellini for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
2. Wilt the Spinach: Place the spinach in a colander and drain the cooked tortellini directly over the spinach to let the steam wilt the greens gently.
3. Make the Brown Butter: Return the empty pot to the stovetop over medium heat. Add the salted butter and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it bubbles and begins to turn a light brown color, releasing a rich, nutty aroma, about 2-4 minutes.
4. Sauté Vegetables in Butter: Add the pressed garlic, cherry tomatoes, salt, and ground black pepper to the browned butter. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften.
5. Toss Everything Together: Turn off the heat, return the cooked tortellini and wilted spinach to the pot and toss everything together so the pasta and greens are evenly coated in the flavorful brown butter sauce.

Notes

• Using fresh spinach helps it wilt quickly and retains vibrant color.
• Be careful not to burn the butter; watch closely as it transitions from bubbling to brown.
• Cherry tomatoes add a subtle sweetness and slight acidity which complements the rich butter sauce.
• This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
• Optional: sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: brown butter tortellini, spinach tortellini recipe, easy pasta dish, quick Italian pasta, cherry tomato pasta