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Tomato Basil Tortellini

Creamy tomato basil tortellini recipe with cheese filling and glossy sauce.

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A quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring cheese tortellini in a silky, creamy tomato sauce. Fragrant garlic, sweet basil, and rich Parmesan come together in just 20 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus whole leaves for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, carefully scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated and the sauce turns a rosy pink. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, but do not let it boil.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked and drained tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce.
  6. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Fold in the chopped fresh basil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan.

Notes

Do not skip reserving the pasta water, as the starch is key for a silky sauce. Avoid letting the sauce boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling. For a lighter version, use whole milk. Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage for extra protein.

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