Print

Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

creamy spinach tomato tortellini pasta - featured image

A quick and comforting creamy spinach tomato tortellini pasta that combines fresh spinach, tangy tomatoes, and cheese-filled tortellini in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin recommended
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (about 120 g) fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 g) canned diced tomatoes with juices
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh or 7-9 minutes for frozen. The tortellini should float and be tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in the entire can (14.5 ounces / 411 g) of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
  4. Lower the heat and slowly add ¾ cup (180 ml) of heavy cream, stirring to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Add 4 cups (120 g) of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Stir frequently, letting the spinach wilt down over 2-3 minutes while keeping its bright green color and tender texture.
  6. Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece in the creamy tomato sauce. Sprinkle ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick. Avoid overcooking tortellini to maintain a pillowy texture. Use fresh spinach for best texture and color. Simmer cream gently to prevent splitting. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy spinach tomato tortellini, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, comfort food, weeknight meal