Meat And Cheese Tortellini: Perfect Pairings For Your Palate

Cheese tortellini is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of meats to create a hearty and comforting meal. Here are some meat options that go well with cheese tortellini:

- Ground Beef: A classic combination, ground beef adds a hearty and savory flavour to the dish. It can be used to make a simple meat sauce or combined with other ingredients like garlic, onion, and marinara sauce for a more complex dish.

- Italian Sausage: Spicy Italian sausage is a great way to add a kick to your tortellini dish. It can be used in soups, baked pasta, or one-pot meals.

- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. While they may have a milder flavour, they still provide a protein-packed addition to your meal.

- Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast can be a great side to tortellini. Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and honey or brown sugar for extra flavour.

- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious salty and smoky flavour to tortellini dishes like carbonara or pasta salads.

- Shrimp: Garlic butter shrimp is a simple yet tasty pairing with tortellini. It adds protein to the dish without being too heavy.

Meat options to go with cheese tortellini

Cheese tortellini is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of meats to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some meat options that will complement your cheese tortellini:

Ground Beef

Ground beef is a popular choice for a reason. It adds a hearty and savory element to the dish, and its versatility means you can use it in various recipes. Try making a simple skillet meal with ground beef, spices, tortellini, and cheese. You can also create a beefy tortellini soup or a one-pan creamy tortellini dish.

Chicken

Chicken is a lean protein that pairs well with cheese tortellini. Opt for grilled chicken for a simple yet tasty combination. You can also go for a chicken tortellini soup or a chicken caprese tortellini pasta salad for a refreshing option during the warmer months.

Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is a flavorful option that will elevate your tortellini dish. Try it in a comforting baked tortellini with meat sauce or a one-pot Italian sausage, spinach, and cheese tortellini skillet for a quick and convenient weeknight meal.

Bacon

Bacon adds a crispy and salty element to your tortellini. Whip up a bacon tortellini carbonara for a indulgent treat or include it in a BLT tortellini pasta salad for a unique twist on the classic sandwich.

Shrimp

For something different, pair your cheese tortellini with shrimp. Garlic butter shrimp is a surprisingly easy dish that makes for a well-balanced side. Or, for a heartier option, go for a creamy tortellini soup with shrimp.

Meatballs

Meatballs are a fun way to incorporate meat into your tortellini dish. Try them in an Italian meatball soup or as a side dish with a pink sauce.

Meat and sauce combinations to go with cheese tortellini

Cheese tortellini is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of meats and sauces. Here are some mouth-watering combinations to try:

Bolognese Sauce with Ground Beef Tortellini:

This classic Italian sauce made with ground meat, cheese, tomatoes, and other ingredients is a perfect pairing for tortellini. The sauce enhances the flavour of the pasta and makes the dish heartier and creamier. You can use beef, veal, pork, chicken, or turkey for the meat.

Grilled Chicken with Cheese Tortellini:

A simple grilled chicken breast marinated in a mixture of lemon juice or vinegar, olive oil, honey or brown sugar, and seasonings is a tasty and popular companion to cheese tortellini. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavour it will have.

Italian Meatball Soup with Cheese Tortellini:

This hearty and flavourful soup combines Italian meatballs, Italian seasoning, beef broth, Parmesan cheese, and star-shaped pasta. It's a crowd-pleaser and an excellent way to fill up while enjoying the tortellini.

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Cheese Tortellini:

A simple yet tasty combination of garlic butter shrimp can be a perfect side dish for tortellini. It's not too heavy, but it balances the meal, leaving you satisfied. The dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and only requires a few ingredients like shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and salt.

Peas and Pancetta with Cheese Tortellini:

This dish is not only delicious but also convenient to make. It doesn't take much time or many ingredients, just peas, pancetta, salt, pepper, olive oil, and shallots. You can use fresh or frozen peas, and if using fresh, look for plump and shiny pods.

Braised Asparagus with Cheese Tortellini:

Braised asparagus in butter and chicken or vegetable stock is a simple yet tasty vegetable dish that pairs well with tortellini. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the asparagus stalks, so it's easy to make multiple batches for a larger group.

Vegan Bruschetta with Cheese Tortellini:

This vegan bruschetta is incredibly easy to make, and its freshness helps tone down the richness of the pasta. The topping consists of tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil, creating a delightful combination with the tortellini.

Bacon Tortellini Carbonara:

This quick and easy pasta dish packs a ton of flavour with crispy bacon, heavy cream, and salty Parmesan cheese. It's a great option for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving a comforting pasta meal.

Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce:

This baked pasta dish combines the cheese-stuffed tortellini with a hearty meat sauce and extra mozzarella on top. It's a comforting and satisfying option that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Chicken meat options to go with cheese tortellini

Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with tortellini. Here are some chicken meat options to go with cheese tortellini:

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

This is a delicious and easy recipe that you can make for yourself and your family in about 30 minutes or less. The key ingredients are chicken breasts, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, butter, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and frozen tortellini. Start by slicing the chicken breasts into cubes and coating them with the flour mixture. Then, cook the chicken in a skillet until golden brown. Next, add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Finally, add the tortellini and let it cook until tender. Once done, serve the chicken tortellini with a salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.

Cheesy Chicken Tortellini

This recipe combines tortellini, chicken, and broccoli in a creamy sauce made with chicken broth, milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. It is a comforting and filling meal that serves six people with just one chicken breast. To make this dish, heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet and cook the chicken breast slices until no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm. In the same skillet, heat some more olive oil and add the broccoli. Cook until bright green, then add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Next, add the chicken broth and tortellini, and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, salt, and pepper, and cook until the cream cheese has melted. Finally, add the chicken back to the skillet and heat through. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Chicken Broth Tortellini Soup

For a comforting and hearty option, you can make a chicken broth tortellini soup. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add in the tortellini and cook until tender. Then, add cooked and shredded chicken, along with frozen spinach and chopped tomatoes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Chicken Tortellini Salad

For a lighter option, you can make a chicken tortellini salad. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions and set it aside to cool. In a large bowl, combine chopped cooked chicken, diced red onion, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, and shredded mozzarella cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the tortellini and chicken mixture, and toss to combine. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Chicken Tortellini Casserole

This chicken tortellini casserole is a comforting and hearty option. In a large skillet, cook chopped chicken breasts with diced onions and minced garlic until the chicken is no longer pink. Stir in cream of chicken soup, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, add cooked tortellini, frozen spinach, and diced tomatoes. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Beef meat options to go with cheese tortellini

Beef is a great option to go with cheese tortellini, and there are several ways to prepare it. Here are some beefy options to go with your cheese tortellini:

Beefy Cheesy Baked Tortellini

This recipe combines ground beef, garlic, seasonings, marinara sauce, and cheese tortellini, all baked to perfection. It's an easy and comforting dish that your family will surely love. You can also add some grated veggies to the sauce or stir in some baby spinach for extra nutrition.

Cheese Tortellini in Meat Sauce

This recipe is perfect if you're looking for a quick and easy meal. It features ground beef, garlic, onion, marinara sauce, and cheese tortellini. You can use store-bought marinara sauce to save time, and the dish can be on the table in just 20 minutes!

Customizable Options

When making cheese tortellini with beef, you have the option to customize it according to your preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Use different types of ground beef, such as Italian sausage or ground turkey, instead of plain ground beef.
• Experiment with different flavors of tortellini, like chicken, mushroom, spinach, or artichoke.
• Add your favorite vegetables like roasted zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Get creative with flavorings like olives, pine nuts, or a touch of cream.

These beefy options will surely elevate your cheese tortellini and make for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy experimenting with the different combinations!

Sauces to go with cheese tortellini

Cheese tortellini is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sauces to enhance its flavour. Here are some mouth-watering options to try:

Bolognese Sauce

A classic Italian sauce made from ground meat, cheese, tomatoes and other ingredients. It is hearty and creamy, and pairs perfectly with tortellini. You can use beef, veal, pork, chicken or turkey for the meat, or a combination. Add some chicken broth and wine for extra depth of flavour.

Basil Pesto

A summery sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. This sauce is light and refreshing, and perfect for those who want a less rich option.

Creamy Alfredo Sauce

A rich and indulgent sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This sauce is perfect for those who want a decadent and creamy tortellini dish.

Tomato-based Sauce

A simple and classic option is to pair tortellini with a tomato-based sauce. This could be a traditional marinara sauce, or something more creative like a sun-dried tomato pesto or a tomato basil soup.

Carbonara

A carbonara sauce is made with eggs, cheese, bacon and black pepper, creating a rich and creamy dish. This is a great option for those who want a more indulgent tortellini meal.

Brown Butter Sauce

Browning butter gives it a nutty, aromatic flavour. Adding cream, white wine and sage creates a luxurious sauce to coat the tortellini.

Vodka Sauce

A unique and indulgent option, vodka sauce is made with olive oil, butter, onion, red pepper flakes, roasted peppers, tomato and cream. This sauce has a kick and a complex flavour profile.

Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)

A vibrant and intense sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, rosemary, black pepper and olive oil. This sauce will add a burst of flavour to your tortellini.

Arrabbiata Sauce

A spicy and aromatic tomato-based sauce with red pepper flakes, olive oil, butter, onion, tomatoes and oregano. This sauce will add a kick to your tortellini dish.

Béchamel Sauce

A creamy and versatile white sauce made from butter, flour, milk, nutmeg and white pepper. This sauce can be used as a base for other sauces or enjoyed on its own with tortellini.

Garlic Alfredo

A twist on the classic Alfredo sauce, garlic Alfredo adds a punch of garlic flavour to the rich and creamy sauce.

Creamy Brown Butter Tortellini

Another variation on the brown butter sauce, this recipe includes cream and white wine for an extra indulgent tortellini dish.

Butternut Squash Sauce

A sweet and savoury option, butternut squash sauce is perfect for autumn and winter. Pair it with Italian sausage and tortellini for a hearty and comforting meal.

French Onion

This sauce tastes just like French onion soup, with rich caramelised onions and melted cheese. It's a unique and comforting option for tortellini.

Giada's Classic Pesto

A classic basil pesto with a twist, this sauce includes pine nuts, garlic, black pepper and olive oil. It's perfect for those who want a more intense basil flavour.

Lemon Pomegranate Mocktail Sauce

A unique and refreshing option, this sauce is made from lemon, water, sugar, pomegranate and mint. It's perfect for a summery tortellini dish.

Avocado Corn Salsa

A vibrant and tangy sauce made from corn, jalapeño, sugar, cilantro, avocado and other spices. This sauce will add a burst of flavour and colour to your dish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

A simple yet delicious option, garlic butter shrimp is a light and tasty dish to pair with tortellini. It is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

Italian Meatball Soup

A hearty and comforting option, Italian meatball soup is perfect for cold days. It includes meatballs, Italian seasoning, beef broth, Parmesan cheese and star-shaped pasta.

Roasted Vegetable Sauce

A healthy and flavourful option, roasted vegetable sauce is made by blending roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, bell peppers and tomatoes. This sauce adds a depth of flavour and is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.

Fra Diavolo

A spicy and robust sauce made from red pepper flakes, sugar, parsley, tomatoes and white wine. This sauce will add a kick to your tortellini dish and is perfect for those who like it hot.

Spinach Sauce

A healthy and tasty option, spinach sauce is made by blending cooked spinach with garlic, onion and cream. This sauce is a great way to get some extra nutrients and adds a beautiful green colour to your dish.

Pumpkin Sauce

A unique and seasonal option, pumpkin sauce is made by blending cooked pumpkin with cream, spices and Parmesan cheese. It's perfect for autumn and will add a beautiful orange colour to your tortellini.

Mushroom Sauce

A savoury and earthy option, mushroom sauce is made by sautéing mushrooms and blending them with cream, spices and herbs. This sauce is a great way to add some extra umami to your tortellini dish.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

A smoky and sweet sauce made from roasted red peppers, blended with olive oil, black pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes. This sauce will add a beautiful colour and depth of flavour to your tortellini.

Walnut Pesto

A unique and nutty option, walnut pesto is made by blending basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and salt. It's a great way to add some extra crunch and flavour to your tortellini dish.

Crab Sauce

A luxurious and indulgent option, crab sauce is made by blending cooked crab meat with cream, white wine, shallots and spices. This sauce is perfect for a special occasion and will elevate your tortellini to the next level.

Olive Tapenade

A savoury and salty option, olive tapenade is made by blending olives, capers, anchovies, garlic and olive oil. This sauce will add a burst of flavour to your tortellini and is perfect for those who like strong, intense flavours.

Four Cheese Sauce

A decadent and creamy option, four cheese sauce is made by melting together mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. This sauce is perfect for those who want an extra cheesy tortellini dish.

Red Pesto

A vibrant and intense sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil. This sauce will add a burst of flavour and colour to your tortellini dish.

Roasted Garlic Sauce

A sweet and savoury option, roasted garlic sauce is made by blending roasted garlic cloves with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, milk and spices. This sauce is perfect for those who want a unique and subtle flavour.

Sun-dried Tomato and Almond Pesto

A unique and nutty sauce, this pesto is made by blending sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, rosemary and black pepper. It adds crunch and intense flavour to your tortellini.

Buttery Leek Sauce

A simple and elegant option, buttery leek sauce is made by sautéing leeks in butter and blending them with cream and spices. This sauce is perfect for those who want a subtle and delicate flavour.

Avocado and Corn Salsa

A unique and refreshing option, this salsa is made by blending avocado, corn, jalapeño, cilantro, sugar and lime juice. It adds a burst of colour and flavour to your tortellini, and is perfect for a summer dish.

Roasted Eggplant and Red Pepper Sauce

A smoky and savoury option, this sauce is made by roasting eggplants and red peppers, then blending them with garlic, tomato paste and olive oil. It's a unique and healthy option for your tortellini.

Cream of Mushroom

A classic and comforting option, cream of mushroom soup is made by blending sautéed mushrooms with cream, spices and herbs. This sauce is perfect for those who want a hearty and earthy dish.

Roasted Cauliflower Sauce

A unique and healthy option, roasted cauliflower sauce is made by blending roasted cauliflower with cream, spices and herbs. It's a great way to add some extra veggies to your dish while enjoying a creamy and indulgent sauce.

Roasted Carrot Sauce

A sweet and savoury option, roasted carrot sauce is made by blending roasted carrots with cream, spices and herbs. This sauce adds a beautiful orange colour to your dish and is perfect for autumn and winter.

Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce

Another option for butternut squash lovers, this sauce is made by roasting butternut squash with spices and blending it with cream or stock. It's a healthy and comforting option for your tortellini.

Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Sauce

A vibrant and creamy option, this sauce is made by blending roasted red peppers with feta cheese, olive oil, garlic and spices. It adds a beautiful colour and a tangy flavour to your tortellini.

Roasted Garlic and Parmesan

A simple and classic option, roasted garlic and Parmesan sauce is made by blending roasted garlic cloves with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. This sauce is perfect for those who want a subtle and savoury dish.

Roasted Beetroot Sauce

A unique and vibrant option, roasted beetroot sauce is made by blending roasted beetroots with olive oil, vinegar, honey and spices. It adds a beautiful purple colour and a sweet and earthy flavour to your tortellini.

Roasted Vegetable Hummus

A healthy and hearty option, roasted vegetable hummus is made by blending roasted vegetables with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil and spices. It's a unique and filling option for your tortellini, and is perfect for vegetarians.

Roasted Asparagus and Lemon Sauce

A light and refreshing option, this sauce is made by blending roasted asparagus with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and spices. It's a great way to add some extra veggies to your dish while enjoying a zesty and tangy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli Sauce

A healthy and savoury option, roasted broccoli sauce is made by blending roasted broccoli with olive oil, garlic and spices. This sauce adds a beautiful green colour and a nutty flavour to your tortellini.

Roasted Artichoke and Olive Sauce

A unique and savoury option, this sauce is made by blending roasted artichokes and olives with olive oil, garlic and spices. It's a healthy and flavourful option for your tortellini, and is perfect for those who want a less traditional sauce.

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Sauce

A vibrant and smoky sauce, this option is made by blending roasted red peppers and tomatoes with olive oil, garlic and spices. It adds a beautiful red colour and a slightly spicy flavour to your tortellini.

Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Sauce

A unique and hearty option, this sauce is made by roasting eggplants and tomatoes, then blending them with olive oil, garlic and spices. It's a healthy and flavourful choice for your tortellini.

Creamy Avocado Sauce

A unique and indulgent option, creamy avocado sauce is made by blending avocado with cream, lemon juice, garlic and spices. It adds a beautiful green colour and a rich flavour to your tortellini.

Roasted Garlic and Herb Sauce

A simple and classic option, roasted garlic and herb sauce is made by blending roasted garlic cloves with olive oil, parsley, thyme and other herbs. It's a subtle and savoury sauce that lets the flavour of the tortellini shine through.

Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip

A creamy and tangy option, this sauce is made by blending roasted red peppers with feta cheese, olive oil, garlic and spices. It adds a beautiful orange colour and a salty flavour to your tortellini.

Roasted Tomato and Basil Sauce

A classic and refreshing option, this sauce is made by roasting tomatoes with basil, olive oil, garlic and spices. It's the perfect summer sauce for your tortellini, adding a beautiful red colour and a sweet flavour.

Roasted Vegetable Puree

A healthy and versatile option, roasted vegetable puree is made by blending any combination of roasted vegetables with olive oil

Frequently asked questions