Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked cheese tortellini, surrounded by vibrant spinach leaves and juicy cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor in every bite. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or someone who craves authentic Italian flavors, this Tortellini with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 package (9 ounces) of cheese tortellini, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), salt, and pepper to taste. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese for serving!
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini and add it directly to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss everything together gently over medium heat until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld. If desired, add more reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- To serve, divide the tortellini mixture among four plates or bowls. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving. Enjoy your delicious Tortellini with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the tortellini.
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Don't overcook the spinach - it should just wilt, maintaining its bright green color and nutrients.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter when tossing the final dish.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese is key - grate it yourself for maximum flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to make the dish more substantial.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
