Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini – 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner

This Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender cheese-filled tortellini, a rich tomato basil sauce, and a creamy finish, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and the whole family will love it.

Ingredients

• 1 package (250g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-8 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water if needed for the sauce.

2. Prepare the Sauce

While the tortellini is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add Tomatoes and Cream

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

4. Combine Tortellini and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss the tortellini in the creamy tomato sauce until it’s evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Finish with Cheese and Basil

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the basil is fragrant.

6. Serve

Serve the creamy tomato basil tortellini hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Expert Tips

• Add Protein: If you’d like, you can add grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp for extra protein.

• Vegan Version: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

• Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Why This Dish Works

This creamy tomato basil tortellini combines the richness of the creamy tomato sauce with the fresh, aromatic flavor of basil. The cheese-filled tortellini soaks up the sauce perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini is a 20-minute weeknight dinner that’s both simple and indulgent. With a rich tomato basil sauce and tender tortellini, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week.