Cheese Tortellini: Best Sauce Pairings And Recipes

Four-cheese tortellini is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sauces to create delicious meals. From creamy tomato and spinach sauces to meat sauces and garlic butter sauce, there are many options to choose from. The type of sauce you select can significantly impact the overall flavour and texture of the dish, making it a hearty and comforting meal or a light and refreshing one.

Tomato cream sauce

A creamy tomato sauce is a perfect pairing for four cheese tortellini. The richness of the cream and the acidity of the tomatoes balance the dish, creating a lush and comforting meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious tomato cream sauce that will elevate your four cheese tortellini:

Ingredients:

• Cheese tortellini (fresh, frozen, or dried)
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Spinach (optional)
• Heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
• Tomato paste (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. If using frozen or dried tortellini, follow the cooking times specified on the package. For a true one-pan dish, you can also cook the tortellini directly in the sauce, adding it after sautéing the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until tender. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Cream Sauce

To the skillet, add the diced tomatoes, spinach (if using), dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until the liquid has reduced and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Now, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and stir to combine. If using, add the chicken or vegetable broth at this stage as well. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Drain the cooked tortellini and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the tortellini with the sauce to coat evenly. Serve the dish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Tips and Variations:

• For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• If you prefer a smoother and slightly thicker sauce, add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste when sautéing the garlic.
• For a more indulgent dish, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet when sautéing the aromatics.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of tortellini, such as spinach or chicken tortellini.
• To make the dish even heartier, consider adding meat such as Italian sausage, ground turkey, or grilled chicken.
• You can also add your favorite vegetables, like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Enjoy your creamy and delicious four cheese tortellini!

Meat sauce

Four-cheese tortellini in meat sauce is a hearty and delicious meal that can be prepared in various ways. Here are some tips and suggestions for preparing a mouth-watering meat sauce to go with your four-cheese tortellini:

Choosing the Right Meat

Ground beef is a popular choice for a meat sauce and goes well with four-cheese tortellini. Opt for 90% lean ground beef, as it offers plenty of flavour with minimal grease. You can also use meat with a higher fat content, but remember to drain the excess grease from the pan before adding the remaining ingredients. If you want to explore other options, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or grilled chicken are delicious alternatives that can be used instead of or in addition to ground beef.

Creating a Flavourful Sauce

Start by cooking your chosen meat in a pan with some olive oil. Add onions and garlic to enhance the flavour and cook until softened and fragrant. For a true bolognese-style sauce, add a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce. If you have the time, you can also make your own tomato sauce from scratch, using canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices. To make it extra special, consider adding flavourings such as olives or pine nuts to the sauce.

Combining the Tortellini and Sauce

Cook your four-cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the meat sauce over the tortellini and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. You can also add some heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.

Serving and Garnishing

Serve your four-cheese tortellini in meat sauce with a generous sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. This dish goes well with a fresh salad and crusty bread on the side. To elevate the presentation, garnish with additional fresh herbs such as basil or oregano.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-60 second intervals until warmed through.

Garlic butter sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 package of three-cheese tortellini (frozen, 19 oz. bag)
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
• 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1.5 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley (finely chopped) for garnish
• Grated parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

• Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain and keep aside.
• In the same nonstick pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted.
• Add the garlic and saute until golden brown.
• Dissolve cornstarch in broth and pour this mixture into the pot.
• Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook, uncovered, until the sauce thickens.
• Mix in the boiled tortellini until fully coated.
• Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For additional flavor, boil the tortellini in vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of just salted water.
• Adjust the amount of herbs and garlic to your preference.
• Do not replace fresh garlic with garlic powder, as fresh garlic has a stronger flavor and aroma.
• To thicken the sauce, cook it uncovered on medium-high heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out by adding more broth.
• Be sure to add a dissolved mixture of cornstarch to prevent lumps in your sauce.
• You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
• For a lemon garlic sauce, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce.
• For a creamy garlic sauce, add some cream cheese or mix in some heavy cream to create a tortellini alfredo.
• Try different flavors of tortellini, such as pumpkin, spinach, or meat fillings.
• You can add protein like stir-fried shrimp, baked/shredded chicken, cooked ham, or crumbled bacon.
• Add vegetables like a frozen veggie blend, spinach, or a mix of blanched broccoli, red bell pepper, olives, or artichokes.
• Add a little spice by mixing in some red chili flakes.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This meal does not freeze well and may taste odd when thawed.

White wine sauce

Ingredients

• 20 oz. refrigerated four cheese tortellini, cooked al dente
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
• 2-3 cups mixed greens (spinach and arugula)
• Parmesan cheese + fresh chopped parsley for garnish
• Fresh cracked pepper

Optional Ingredients

• Sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil and sliced zucchini
• Leftover roasted broccoli with sautéed mushrooms

Instructions

• Heat butter and olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-low heat until butter melts.
• Once the butter starts to sizzle, add garlic, oregano, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for about a minute, stirring frequently.
• Add the white wine and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the tomatoes along with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper and simmer for another 3 minutes.
• Add mixed greens and stir until they wilt.
• Stir in heavy cream.
• Add pasta and toss to coat evenly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook for just a minute or so until the pasta is warmed through.
• Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Tips

• Always salt your pasta water. This is the best way to boost the overall flavor of your pasta dish. Add about 2-4 tablespoons of Kosher salt to your large pot of boiling water before adding the uncooked pasta.
• Feel free to switch up the ingredients in this pasta. You can use this recipe as a blueprint to clean out the fridge!

Pesto

Combining pesto with four cheese tortellini creates a creamy, flavourful, and filling dish. The cheese tortellini complements the pesto's nutty and herbaceous notes, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavours. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini, depending on your preference and availability.

Customisations and Additions

The beauty of pesto tortellini lies in its versatility. You can customise it with various ingredients to create unique flavour profiles:

• Spinach or Arugula: Adding spinach or arugula to the dish provides a mild flavour and a nutritional boost.
• Protein: Grilled chicken, Italian sausages, or shrimp can be added for a heartier meal.
• Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate your favourite vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or roasted eggplant.
• Cream: For a richer and creamier sauce, add a touch of cream or half-and-half to the pesto.
• Spiciness: If you like your food with a kick, add some red pepper flakes or crushed chilli peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Storage and Reheating

In conclusion, pesto is an excellent choice of sauce for four cheese tortellini, offering endless customisation options and a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and serving suggestions to create a dish that suits your taste preferences!

Frequently asked questions