Patrick Oconnell
Spinach and cheese tortellini is a quick, easy, and filling meal that can be prepared in under 45 minutes. The dish consists of tortellini filled with cheese and covered in a creamy sauce made from spinach, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. The recipe can be adapted to use either fresh or dried tortellini, and frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh. The sauce can also be customised with additional vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Spinach and Cheese Tortellini:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tortellini Type | Fresh, frozen, or dried cheese tortellini |
| Sauce Ingredients | Butter, flour, garlic, onion, milk, cream, tomatoes, spinach, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese |
| Cook Time | 3-5 minutes for tortellini, 20 minutes total |
| Serving Size | 1.5 cups |
| Calories | 648 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 77g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Sodium | 1057mg |
| Fiber | 9g |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the tortellini
When it comes to choosing the tortellini for your spinach and cheese tortellini dish, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can opt for fresh or dried tortellini. Fresh tortellini is widely recommended as it cooks much quicker than dried, resulting in a faster overall preparation time for your meal. However, dried tortellini can be used if you are willing to accommodate a longer cooking time.
Another factor to consider is the filling of the tortellini. Cheese tortellini is a popular choice, often made with simple cheese or a combination of cheeses, such as spinach and cheese tortellini. This pairs well with the spinach and creamy sauce in the dish. However, you can also explore other varieties of filled tortellini, such as chicken tortellini, to add a different flavour profile to your meal.
The type of cheese used in the tortellini can also be a deciding factor. Parmesan cheese, for example, is a popular choice that can enhance the flavour of the dish. It is recommended to use a high-quality Parmesan variety and, if possible, to opt for freshly shredded Parmesan over pre-shredded packaged cheese for better taste and meltability. Additionally, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as pecorino romano, to add a unique twist to your tortellini dish.
Lastly, consider the convenience and availability of the tortellini. Refrigerated or frozen tortellini is readily available in most grocery stores. Frozen tortellini is a convenient option as it can be stored for longer periods, and it cooks quickly, usually taking around 3 minutes to prepare. Refrigerated tortellini is also an option, but it may require slightly different cooking instructions, so be sure to follow the package directions for optimal results.
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Preparing the sauce
Start by heating a large skillet on medium-high heat and adding olive oil, butter, and onion. Cook until the onion softens, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Next, add some minced garlic and cook for another minute. If you want to add extra vegetables, you can sauté the garlic with spinach at this stage. You can also add onion powder for extra flavor.
Sprinkle in some flour and cook for another minute. If you want a thicker sauce, add more flour. Then, whisk in some chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes until smooth. If you don't have chicken broth, you can use water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Now it's time to add the dairy. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk. Whisk until smooth. If you want to make the sauce extra creamy, add some grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until it melts.
Finally, add in the tomatoes, spinach, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If you're using frozen spinach, make sure to chop it into small pieces before adding it to the sauce.
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Cooking the tortellini
First, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. You can use frozen or fresh tortellini, but be aware that fresh tortellini cooks quicker than dried. Check the package instructions for the recommended cooking time. Once the water is boiling, add the tortellini and boil for about 3 minutes, or until they are all floating.
While the tortellini is boiling, you can prepare the sauce. Heat butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add some minced garlic and onion and cook until the onion is soft, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You can also add some onion powder for extra flavor. Then, add some flour and cook for another minute. Next, add the milk or cream, whisking as you pour, and cook until the mixture begins to thicken.
Now, you can add the tomatoes, spinach, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and continue to heat over medium heat. If you want to add chicken to your dish, this is the stage to add cooked chicken breast. Cook until the sauce is heated through, which should take 3 to 5 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.
Finally, drain the tortellini and add it to the sauce, gently tossing to combine. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir to combine. You can also add some extra virgin olive oil to the dish. Give the tortellini a taste and adjust any seasonings to your liking.
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Combining the ingredients
To make spinach and cheese tortellini, you can combine the ingredients in several ways. Here is one way to do it:
First, prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini cooks much quicker than dried, so keep an eye on it. If it finishes cooking before your sauce is ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the tortellini is cooking, melt some butter in a large stockpot or skillet over medium-high heat. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. Once melted, add some minced garlic and onion and cook until the onion is soft, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Then, add some flour and cook for another minute. You can use a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
Next, add the liquid ingredients and cream to make the sauce. You can use heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, depending on your preference. Whisk the mixture until it begins to thicken. You can also add some chicken broth at this stage for extra flavour.
Now, it's time to add the tomatoes and seasonings. You can use diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, or fresh chopped tomatoes. Add some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a kick of spice, add some red pepper flakes. Stir the ingredients together and continue to heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once the tomatoes are hot, add the spinach. Fresh spinach is preferred, but you can also use frozen spinach, just remember to chop it into small pieces. Cook until the spinach has wilted, stirring occasionally.
Finally, add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently toss or stir to combine. If using frozen tortellini, make sure to cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the sauce.
You can also sprinkle some grated or shredded Parmesan cheese on top and stir it into the dish. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
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Serving suggestions
Spinach and cheese tortellini is a tasty and versatile dish. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and it can be customised to your liking. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
- As a main course: Spinach and cheese tortellini can be a satisfying main course, especially when served with a protein source such as chicken. You can add cooked chicken breast to the dish or serve it on the side. This option is perfect for a hearty dinner or a filling lunch.
- As a side dish: If you're looking for a lighter option, spinach and cheese tortellini can be a delicious side dish. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, or even as an accompaniment to a salad. The tortellini adds substance to your meal without overwhelming the other flavours.
- Customise with vegetables: To increase your vegetable intake, consider adding extra veggies to your tortellini dish. You can include leftover spinach in a side salad or roast some broccoli to serve on the side. Adding vegetables provides a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
- Experiment with sauces: While a creamy tomato sauce is a classic choice for spinach and cheese tortellini, you can explore different sauce options. Try a simple butter and garlic sauce or a more indulgent cream and cheese sauce. Experimenting with sauces allows you to customise the dish to your taste preferences.
- Cheese variations: The type of cheese you use can also be varied to suit your taste. While Parmesan cheese is a popular choice, you can use pecorino Romano or fresh shredded Parmesan for a smoother melt. Grated fresh Parmesan adds extra creaminess to the dish.
- Tortellini alternatives: While tortellini is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with your favourite pasta variety. This suggestion is especially useful if you're not a fan of tortellini or want to try something different. Spinach and cheese ravioli or penne pasta could be tasty alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh tortellini cooks much quicker than dried. If using dried, it will take longer to cook. Frozen tortellini cooks in about 3 minutes, or until it's all floating. Check the package directions for the recommended cooking time.
You will need spinach, cheese tortellini, butter, flour, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, milk, cream, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
First, melt the butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic and onion and cook until the onion is soft, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Next, slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking as you pour. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to simmer. Then, add the tomatoes, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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