Creamy Tortellini With Spinach

Creamy Tortellini With Spinach is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, creamy sauce and fresh spinach. This recipe balances savory sautéed mushrooms and onions with garlic and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful base. The sauce is made luscious with heavy cream and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, making it irresistibly creamy and indulgent. The fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch and a boost of nutrition, making this meal both tasty and wholesome.

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but not complicated. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables makes it a well-rounded meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this creamy tortellini with spinach delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Creamy and indulgent

Rich cream and Parmesan make the sauce silky and delicious.

Packed with veggies

Fresh spinach and mushrooms add flavor and nutrition.

Comfort food with a twist

Cheese tortellini makes this pasta special and filling.

Versatile and customizable

Easy to add protein or swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Cremini mushrooms (sliced)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Chicken broth or dry white wine
  • Heavy or whipping cream
  • Refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • Fresh baby spinach
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Variations

Add protein

Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.

Swap the mushrooms

Use cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms for different flavors.

Make it vegetarian

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth or wine.

Use different greens

Try kale, Swiss chard, or arugula instead of spinach.

Spice it up

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

Stir fresh baby spinach into the creamy sauce, cooking until wilted.

Step 9

Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Step 10

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another minute to blend flavors.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
  • Don’t overcook the tortellini; al dente texture holds up best in the sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or pasta water to loosen it.
  • Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to develop deep flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve

Serve creamy tortellini with spinach immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish is best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it without the spinach for up to 1 month. Reheat gently and add fresh spinach after warming.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just increase cooking time slightly and add them frozen directly to boiling water.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, and substitute butter with olive oil.

3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and reheat gently before adding cooked tortellini and spinach.

4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Use half-and-half mixed with a little butter, or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

5. Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes, a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works well.

6. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Avoid boiling the cream sauce; simmer gently on low heat.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not with traditional tortellini; use gluten-free tortellini to make it gluten-free.

9. Can I make this vegan?

Use vegan tortellini, plant-based cream, and vegan Parmesan alternatives.

10. How many servings does this recipe make?

It serves about 4 people as a main course.

Conclusion

Creamy Tortellini With Spinach is a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and fresh flavors, making it a satisfying yet wholesome meal. Quick to prepare and versatile, it’s a great option for a weeknight dinner that feels special. With tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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Creamy Tortellini With Spinach


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  • Author: Lina Judi
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Tortellini with Spinach is a quick and comforting pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped

  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/3 cup chicken broth or dry white wine

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini

  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

  • Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5 minutes.

  • Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  • Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to package instructions, then drain.

  • Add cooked tortellini and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until spinach wilts and tortellini is coated in sauce.

  • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.

  • Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.

  • Can be made gluten-free using gluten-free tortellini.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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