This creamy tomato tortellini is a cozy, one-pan pasta dish that’s both quick and satisfying. With tender cheese tortellini simmered in a silky tomato cream sauce, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this creamy tomato tortellini because it’s the perfect mix of simplicity and indulgence. The tomato sauce, enriched with butter, garlic, and heavy cream, wraps each piece of tortellini in a velvety coating that’s rich yet balanced. It’s family-friendly, easy to prepare, and requires just one pan from start to finish. The result is a deliciously creamy, tangy, and cheesy pasta that feels like a special treat any night of the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
In a large deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Whisk or stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Add the refrigerated tortellini directly into the sauce (no need to pre-boil). Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the tortellini cook for about 5 minutes.
Check if the tortellini are tender. If not, continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or turkey sausage for a heartier meal.
Herb lovers: Add fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and color.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to give the sauce a gentle heat.
Vegetable twist: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and texture.
Dairy-free option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version (note: flavor will be slightly different).
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing may cause the cream sauce to separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the dried tortellini separately first. Once cooked, add it to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to thicken and combine the flavors.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
It’s not recommended to use milk or half-and-half, as they may curdle with the tomato acidity. However, you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
How can I make the sauce less acidic?
Add a small pinch of sugar to balance the tomato’s natural acidity.
What can I serve with creamy tomato tortellini?
It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately. Add the tortellini and cook it just before serving for the best texture.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to thicken naturally.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added for color and nutrition.
What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled tortellini work perfectly for this recipe, but spinach or mushroom-filled versions also taste great.
Why did my sauce separate?
This usually happens when the cream is overheated or a lower-fat cream is used. Keep the heat moderate and use full-fat cream for best results.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as long as the Parmesan cheese used is suitable for vegetarians.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Tortellini is the ultimate comfort meal that combines ease and elegance in one pan. With a luscious tomato-cream sauce and tender, cheesy tortellini, this dish is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it delivers homemade goodness in just minutes — a simple yet indulgent pasta that everyone will love.
Creamy Tomato Tortellini is a quick and comforting one-pan pasta dish with tender cheese tortellini simmered in a rich tomato-cream sauce. It’s a cozy, restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes.
