Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini 🍝🍅

This indulgent yet simple recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal. The creamy sauce envelops the tender cheese tortellini, while the fresh spinach and zesty tomatoes add brightness and flavor. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time! Consider pairing it with a crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. 🍞✨

Ingredients

For the dish

• 1 (16 ounce) package of cheese tortellini
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the sauce

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until tender.

2. Prepare Sauce: While the tortellini cooks, combine the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chopped spinach, salt, pepper, dried basil, and minced garlic in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook until the mixture begins to bubble.

   🍋 For an extra zing, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce as it cooks!

3. Make it Creamy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, and heavy cream until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the saucepan with the tomato-spinach blend, along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Heat through, then reduce to low heat and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.

4. Combine & Serve: Drain the tortellini (do not rinse), then gently fold them into the creamy sauce. Stir until they are well coated, and serve warm.

   🌱 For added freshness, top your dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to make this dish even heartier.
• Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly; just ensure all ingredients are free of animal products.
• One-Pan Wonder: To save on dishes, cook the tortellini directly in the sauce by adding more liquid (broth or water) from the start, cooking it uncovered until it absorbs most of the liquid.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute with plant-based tortellini and creamy alternatives to achieve a dairy-free and just as delicious meal!

Enjoy your delightful Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini – it's a real crowd-pleaser! 🍽️💚