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- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 3 cups rich vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly torn - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat) - Sea salt to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish You can swap ingredients to fit your needs. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you're vegan, choose plant-based tortellini and cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free tortellini. Serve this dish in deep bowls. Top with extra parsley and cheese for flair. A slice of crusty bread pairs perfectly for a wonderful dipping experience. This meal shines as a stand-alone dish or alongside a fresh salad. Enjoy it with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing touch. First, grab a large pot and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat this over medium heat. When the oil is warm, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it fragrant and golden, but not burnt. Next, add the nine-ounce package of cheese tortellini to the pot. Pour in three cups of vegetable broth. Stir everything well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cook the tortellini based on the package instructions. If using fresh tortellini, it will take about three to five minutes. For frozen tortellini, it’s about six to eight minutes. When the tortellini is al dente, add in two cups of roughly torn spinach. Stir for one to two minutes until the spinach wilts slightly. Now, it’s time to make the sauce creamy! Gradually pour in one cup of heavy cream. Then, add one cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix in half a teaspoon of black pepper and the red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Stir continuously. This helps the cheese melt and the sauce thicken. Taste your dish and sprinkle in sea salt as needed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for one minute. This resting time helps the sauce thicken even more, making it perfect for serving. To make a creamy sauce, start with good quality heavy cream. Use it right after adding the spinach. Stir gently to blend the cream and cheese. This helps the cheese melt evenly. The key is to keep the heat low. High heat can cause the cream to separate. Add salt gradually to enhance the flavor. Taste as you go to find the right balance. For perfect tortellini, follow the package instructions closely. Fresh tortellini cooks in about 3-5 minutes. Frozen tortellini takes a bit longer, around 6-8 minutes. Stir gently while cooking to avoid sticking. Look for a slight firmness, known as al dente. This gives the tortellini a nice bite. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta. So, keep an eye on the clock! When serving, use stylish bowls to add flair. A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color. You can also add extra grated Parmesan for that gourmet touch. Serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side. This is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. A simple yet appealing presentation makes the dish more inviting. Enjoy the process of making it look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can boost this dish by adding proteins. Cooked chicken works great. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it after the tortellini. If you prefer shrimp, add them when you add the spinach. Cook them until they turn pink. This adds protein and extra flavor. To make this dish vegetarian, replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream. Coconut cream adds a nice richness. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and skip the cheese. You still get a creamy and tasty meal. Enhance flavors with fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Add them in when the spinach wilts. A splash of lemon juice also brightens the dish. If you like heat, try more red pepper flakes. For a savory twist, mix in dried oregano or Italian seasoning. These small changes make a big difference! After cooking, let the tortellini cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the dish covered to prevent it from drying out. You can freeze leftovers for later use. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space in the container for expansion. It will last for about two months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, place the tortellini in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often until warmed through. You can also use the microwave; heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your creamy tortellini again! Yes, you can use frozen tortellini in this dish. Just remember to cook it a bit longer. Normally, frozen tortellini will take about 6 to 8 minutes to cook. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Using frozen tortellini is a great way to save time. It’s just as tasty as fresh. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you reheat it, the sauce may thicken. If that happens, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. You can swap heavy cream for several options. Half-and-half works well if you want less fat. For a lighter choice, use whole milk, but the sauce may be less creamy. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. They both add a nice flavor. This blog post covered how to make a creamy tortellini dish. I shared the simple ingredients, how to cook them, and tips for perfect results. You can also try variations with proteins and make it fit your diet. Remember to store leftovers properly and follow my reheating tips. Enjoy making this dish, and feel free to get creative! Your kitchen adventures can be fun and tasty with this recipe.

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Tortellini & Spinach

Indulge in a deliciously creamy garlic parmesan tortellini and spinach delight that’s perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce in just 20 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be savoring this gourmet dish in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty delight to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

3 cups rich vegetable broth

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly torn

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

Sea salt to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a spacious pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden, taking care not to let it scorch.

    Add the tortellini to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Gently stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

      Upon reaching a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions; typically, this is about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 6-8 minutes for frozen.

        When the tortellini is cooked to perfection and has a slight firmness (al dente), add in the roughly torn spinach. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is just wilted.

          Gradually pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce takes on a creamy consistency.

            Taste the dish and season with sea salt as necessary to enhance the flavors.

              Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand for a minute, allowing the sauce to thicken even more.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy tortellini in stylish bowls, topped generously with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan for a gourmet touch. Pair with a slice of crusty bread on the side for a delightful dipping experience!