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To make creamy tomato basil tortellini, you will need fresh and simple ingredients. Here is the list: - 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the dish's rich flavor. The cheese tortellini brings a delightful texture. Olive oil adds a nice base, while garlic gives it a warm, savory note. Crushed tomatoes form the heart of the sauce, providing acidity and sweetness. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and rich. Dried basil enhances the tomato flavor, and sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and freshness, while grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish that ties everything together. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet but is easy to make. Each bite is comforting and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. 2. Bring the salted water to a rolling boil. 3. Carefully add the cheese tortellini to the boiling water. 4. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. 5. Once done, drain the tortellini in a colander and set them aside. 1. In the same pot, lower the heat to medium. 2. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat for a moment. 3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute. 4. Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes, mixing well. 5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes. 1. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. 2. Stir gently to mix the cream with the tomato sauce. 3. Add the dried basil, a teaspoon of sugar, and season with salt and pepper. 4. Let the sauce simmer for an extra 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Carefully fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce. 6. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. 7. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. To make the sauce shine, you need to adjust the seasoning. Always taste as you go. Add salt and pepper until the flavors pop. If it feels too acidic, a pinch of sugar can help balance it. This small tweak can make a big difference. For the right consistency, let the sauce simmer. This thickens it nicely. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Mixing it well keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. Remember, a well-mixed sauce coats the tortellini perfectly. Preventing overcooking is key. Follow the package instructions closely. Most cheese tortellini cooks in about 4 to 6 minutes. Test a piece a minute early. You want it al dente, not mushy. Choosing the right tortellini matters too. Fresh tortellini will give a softer bite, while dried offers a firmer texture. Both work well in this dish, so pick what you love best. Pro Tips Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Ensure you cook the tortellini just until they are al dente for the best texture. They will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give your sauce a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic. Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Always taste your sauce as you go, adjusting the salt, pepper, and sugar gradually to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Garnish Just Before Serving: For the best presentation, add fresh basil and Parmesan cheese right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. {{image_4}} - Using different types of pasta: You can swap cheese tortellini for other pasta types. Try using penne or farfalle for a new twist. Each pasta shape holds sauce differently, giving you a unique taste experience. - Adding vegetables: Boost nutrition by adding veggies. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work great in this dish. Just sauté them along with the garlic to soften them before adding the tomatoes. - Experimenting with spices: Add spices for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring heat. Try oregano or thyme for a new herb profile. Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have! - Adding proteins: Want to make it heartier? Consider adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply cook them separately and mix them into the sauce before adding the tortellini. This makes the dish more filling and satisfying. To keep your creamy tomato basil tortellini fresh, you need to store it right. - Refrigeration guidelines: Place the leftovers in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the tortellini cools down before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup. - Freezing options: If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the dish. Transfer the cooled tortellini to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating them well is key. - Best methods for reheating: The microwave works, but the stove gives better results. On the stove, warm the tortellini in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. Add a splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce. - Tips for maintaining flavor and texture: Avoid high heat. It can make the tortellini mushy. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the creamy sauce smooth and tasty. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian easily. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed. The cheese tortellini is often already vegetarian. Check the package to be sure. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrition. How to make creamy tomato basil tortellini gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free cheese tortellini. Many brands offer gluten-free options made from rice or corn. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free, so you're good to go. Just check labels to ensure everything is safe. What side dishes pair well with this dish? This creamy tortellini goes well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing adds a nice touch. You can also serve some roasted vegetables for a healthy side. The bright flavors balance the richness of the pasta. This blog post covered a delicious tortellini recipe. We explored the key ingredients, like cheese tortellini and crushed tomatoes. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook it just right. Helpful tips ensured that sauce and tortellini would shine. We also discussed tasty variations and proper storage methods. In closing, this dish is versatile and easy. You can adjust it to fit your taste. Enjoy the creamy richness with friends or family. Cooking can be fun, and this recipe makes it simple!

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini in a rich tomato basil sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically until they are al dente. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set them aside.
  • In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the olive oil. Allow it to heat up for a moment, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
  • Next, stir in the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring well to mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Once simmering, lower the heat further and add in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine it with the tomato mixture. Then, sprinkle in the dried basil, sugar, and season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
  • Allow the creamy sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process will help the sauce thicken slightly, creating a rich consistency.
  • Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy tomato sauce, making sure each piece is well-drenched in the sauce.
  • Once combined, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period will allow the sauce to better adhere to the tortellini.
  • Serve the creamy tortellini hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves scattered on top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Keyword basil, creamy, pasta, tomato, tortellini