Andy Montoya
A mouth-watering, creamy and rich dish, 5-cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce is a delight for cheese lovers. This easy-to-make recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. The alfredo sauce, made with butter, garlic, and cream, is a classic staple that can be elevated with spices and herbs. The sauce is then generously coated over the tortellini, resulting in a delicious and indulgent meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 15-30 minutes |
| Main ingredients | Cheese tortellini, butter, garlic, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, parsley, salt, pepper |
| Optional ingredients | Broccoli, leftover chicken, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomato, pesto, spinach, tomato basil |
| Nutritional information | 622kcal, 85g carbohydrates, 19g protein, 21g fat, 12g saturated fat, 64mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 286mg potassium, 3g fiber, 3g sugar, 710IU vitamin A, 191mg calcium, 1.6mg iron |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating instructions | Use a homemade double boiler by placing a metal or glass bowl with leftover pasta over a pot of steaming water |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking the tortellini
Once the water is boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by a couple of minutes if you want it to be al dente. Be sure to taste the water to ensure it is adequately salted. After the tortellini is cooked, drain the water and transfer the pasta back to the pot.
Next, you'll want to add the butter. Melt the butter in the pot over medium heat, stirring gently until it is fully incorporated into the tortellini. Then, it's time to add the cream and cheese. Combine the Parmigiano and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and the tortellini is coated in a creamy texture.
Finally, season your tortellini with nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and sprinkle with an extra generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Serve your tortellini piping hot, and enjoy!
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Making the sauce
To make the Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. For a more intense flavour, use unsalted butter so that you can control the seasoning of your sauce. Add in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. If you like your food spicy, add some red pepper flakes for a kick.
Next, add heavy cream and stir. If you don't have heavy cream, half-and-half (equal parts of whole milk and cream) can be used for a similar consistency. Keep stirring and add in salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. You can shred your own block of Parmesan for better flavour. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk.
Finally, add in your cooked tortellini and gently toss to combine. If you want to add some vegetables, broccoli florets, peas, or mushrooms go well with this dish.
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Combining the tortellini and sauce
To combine the tortellini and sauce, start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. If you are using frozen tortellini, you can thaw it by placing it in a colander and running it under warm water for a minute before draining it. Drain the tortellini and transfer it back to the pot. If you are making a garlicky Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, stirring frequently, for about a minute. Next, add in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. While continuing to stir, add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens. If you are making a simpler sauce, you can stop at this step and pour the sauce over the tortellini, stirring gently to combine.
If you would like to bake your tortellini, preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and garlic until browned. Drain any grease. Season the cooked beef with dried herbs and spices, including salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Stir in the marinara sauce and alfredo sauce, and then add the tortellini. Transfer half of this mixture to the baking pan, then cover with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining tortellini mixture, then top with more cheese.
If you would like to add broccoli or other vegetables, you can cook the broccoli florets or other vegetables separately and add them to the sauce before pouring it over the tortellini. You can also add cooked chicken to the sauce for a heartier dish.
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Adding extra ingredients
While tortellini with alfredo sauce is delicious on its own, you can elevate the dish by adding extra ingredients. Here are some suggestions:
Broccoli
Broccoli is a great vegetable to add to your tortellini Alfredo. Simply cook the broccoli in the boiling salted water for 2 minutes before adding the tortellini. This ensures that the broccoli is tender but still has a bite. You can also steam or roast the broccoli separately and add it to the dish before serving.
Chicken
Leftover chicken is a fantastic addition to this dish. Simply shred or chop cooked chicken and add it to the alfredo sauce. You can also cook raw chicken cubes and add them to the sauce. Chicken Alfredo is a classic for a reason!
Spices
Adding spices like red pepper flakes will give your dish a nice kick of heat. You can also add Italian seasoning, which will give your sauce a more complex flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg are also excellent additions to enhance the flavor of your alfredo sauce.
Other Vegetables
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach. You can sauté or steam them before adding them to your sauce. These vegetables will add texture, flavor, and nutritional value to your dish.
Cheese
While your 5-cheese tortellini is already packed with cheese, you can never have too much! Feel free to add extra grated Parmesan or other cheeses of your choice. This will make your dish even creamier and more indulgent.
Sausage
If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can add Italian sausage to your tortellini Alfredo. Simply crumble and brown the sausage before adding the alfredo sauce and tortellini. This will add a savory and meaty dimension to your dish.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with other ingredients that suit your taste buds! The beauty of this dish is its versatility, so have fun and enjoy your cheesy creation!
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Serving suggestions
Five cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce is a rich and indulgent dish, but it can be served with a variety of sides to make a well-rounded meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
Protein
For a more substantial meal, serve your tortellini with a protein source such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. This can be a great way to use up any leftover chicken or meat you have on hand. Bacon is another tasty addition that kids will love.
Vegetables
To add some greenery to your plate, serve your tortellini with steamed or mixed veggies. Broccoli is a popular choice, as it cooks quickly and pairs well with the other ingredients. You can also try spinach, tomatoes, or even a salad. If you want to get creative, add some sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, or basil to your dish.
Bread
Garlic bread or breadsticks are classic accompaniments to pasta dishes, and they can help mop up any extra sauce. For an extra cheesy touch, look for garlic bread with cheese.
Spices and Seasonings
If you like your food spicy, add some red pepper flakes to your dish. Freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg can also enhance the flavor of your alfredo sauce. Don't forget to taste your dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Other Pasta
While tortellini is delicious, you can also serve your alfredo sauce with other types of pasta. Fettuccine noodles are traditionally served with alfredo sauce, but any type of pasta you have on hand will work. If you want to switch things up, try shells or regular dried pasta.
Remember, this dish is all about comfort and indulgence, so feel free to get creative and customize it to your own taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade five cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce!
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