Spinach Tortellini

Craving a comforting bowl of pasta that’s both elegant and easy to make? Our spinach tortellini recipe is the answer. This pasta dish cleverly combines the convenience of frozen tortellini with a creamy, homemade tomato sauce.

This dish is a delicious reminder that sometimes the best meals are the ones you make at home. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’d make an Italian grandmother proud, even if your cooking skills usually max out at boiling water.

Ingredients for Spinach Tortellini

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• Onion: Chopped onion adds a slight sweetness and depth to the creamy tomato sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is a key aromatic in this spinach tortellini, enhancing the depth and savory notes of the dish.
• Tomatoes: Petite diced tomatoes provide texture and acidity to balance the creamy tomato sauce.
• Spinach: Frozen spinach adds color, texture and nutrition to the creamy spinach tortellini.
• Basil: Dried basil enhances the overall flavors of the sauce.
• Heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream creates the signature velvety texture of the creamy sauce that coats the tortellini.
• Cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, cheese tortellini offers pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a hard-to-beat umami flavor that finishes off the creamy spinach tortellini.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the aromatics

Isabella Cassini for Taste of Home

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent, two to three minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Editor’s Tip: For added depth, caramelize the onion by cooking it slowly over medium heat until golden brown.

Step 2: Create the sauce base

Isabella Cassini for Taste of Home

Add the undrained petite diced tomatoes, thawed spinach, dried basil, salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about three minutes.

Step 3: Add the cream and simmer

Isabella Cassini for Taste of Home

Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Cook the tortellini

Isabella Cassini for Taste of Home

While the sauce is simmering, cook the frozen cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain the tortellini and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t overcook the tortellini—it should be al dente and will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.

Step 5: Combine and serve

Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy spinach sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Isabella Cassini for Taste of Home

Spinach Tortellini Variations

• Add protein: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier version of this creamy spinach tortellini.
• Switch up the vegetables: Add sauteed mushrooms, roasted red peppers or zucchini to increase the veggie content and nutrition of this dish.
• Give it a cheesy upgrade: Mix in some crumbled goat cheese or dollops of ricotta for added creaminess and flavor.
• Infuse with herbs: Swap in fresh basil for the dried and add a handful of chopped fresh parsley for brightness.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the spice in this spinach tortellini.

How to Store Spinach Tortellini

Allow the spinach tortellini to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can you freeze spinach tortellini?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then store leftovers in individual-sized portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Spinach Tortellini Tips

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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works just as well in this creamy spinach tortellini. You’ll need about 5 cups fresh baby spinach to equal the 5 ounces frozen spinach this recipe calls for—simply chop and saute it with the onions until wilted before adding the diced tomatoes.

How can I make the spinach tortellini sauce thicker?

If your sauce is too thin, simmering it for a few extra minutes will allow it to reduce further. Alternatively, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stirring it into the simmering sauce.

Can I use different types of tortellini in spinach tortellini?

Feel free to use your favorite tortellini—spinach, meat or mushroom-filled tortellini would all work well in this creamy spinach tortellini recipe.

What can I serve with spinach tortellini?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread or a platter of oven-roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions of this creamy spinach tortellini alongside grilled chicken or fish.