10 Easy Tortellini Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like a Master Chef

ByEmma

Tortellini, the delightful stuffed pasta from Italy, is a versatile ingredient that can transform any meal into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these 10 easy tortellini recipes will help you whip up restaurant-quality dishes with minimal effort.

From creamy sauces to light, refreshing salads, tortellini adapts beautifully to different flavors and cooking styles. Plus, these recipes are designed to make you feel like a culinary genius—even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.

Contents

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

Indulge in a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite of tender tortellini.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
  5. Toss in cooked tortellini, coating evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tip: For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic.

2. Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Tortellini Salad

A refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for picnics or light lunches.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook tortellini, drain, and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss tortellini with the salad and dressing. Serve chilled.

Pro Tip: Add toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch.

3. One-Pan Tortellini Alfredo with Chicken

A creamy, hearty meal that cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink. Season with garlic powder and paprika.
  2. Add tortellini, Alfredo sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well.
  3. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tortellini is tender.
  4. Sprinkle Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil.

Pro Tip: Use sun-dried tomato Alfredo for an extra flavor boost.

4. Spicy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

A comforting bowl of warmth with a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Brown sausage in a pot, breaking it into chunks.
  2. Add broth, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in tortellini and spinach, cooking until pasta is tender.
  4. Optional: Add heavy cream for richness.

Pro Tip: Top with crusty bread for dipping.

5. Pesto Tortellini with Cherry Tomatoes

A bright, herby dish that’s ready in 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

  1. Cook tortellini, drain, and return to the pot.
  2. Toss with pesto until evenly coated.
  3. Add tomatoes and pine nuts, gently mixing.
  4. Serve with extra Parmesan on top.

Pro Tip: Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.

6. Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Think lasagna, but easier—with layers of gooey cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix cooked tortellini with marinara sauce.
  3. Layer in a baking dish, dot with ricotta, and top with mozzarella.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tip: Add cooked ground beef for a meaty version.

7. Lemon Butter Garlic Tortellini

A zesty, light dish with a burst of citrus.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest & juice of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook tortellini, drain, and set aside.
  2. Melt butter, sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add lemon zest and juice, then toss with tortellini.
  4. Garnish with parsley and season to taste.

Pro Tip: Add shrimp for a protein-packed meal.

8. Tortellini Carbonara

A creamy, egg-based sauce that’s pure comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook bacon until crispy. Drain, reserving 1 tbsp fat.
  2. Whisk eggs, Parmesan, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Toss hot tortellini with egg mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce.
  4. Mix in bacon and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Use pancetta for a richer flavor.

9. Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

A luscious, velvety tomato sauce that hugs every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook tortellini, drain, and set aside.
  2. Simmer tomato sauce and cream until smooth.
  3. Add sugar (if needed) to balance acidity.
  4. Toss with tortellini and basil.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

10. Tortellini Caprese Salad

A fresh, summery dish inspired by the classic Caprese.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

  1. Cook tortellini, drain, and cool.
  2. Combine with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of olive oil for extra richness.

Final Thoughts

With these 10 easy tortellini recipes, you can impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you crave something creamy, spicy, or fresh, tortellini delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort.

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