Patrick Oconnell
Cheese tortellini is a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sauces to create a range of different flavours. From creamy garlic butter sauces to meat sauces and simple tomato-based options, there are many ways to enjoy this Italian pasta. In this discussion, we will explore some of the best sauces to use with cheese tortellini, taking into account factors such as taste, ease of preparation, and versatility. We will also offer suggestions for additional ingredients that can enhance the flavour and texture of the dish, ensuring that your cheese tortellini is a tasty treat every time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sauce Type | Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce, White Wine Cream Sauce, Meat Sauce, Tomato-based Red Sauce, Alfredo Sauce |
| Ingredients | Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Parsley, Parmesan Cheese, Basil, Tomatoes, Spinach, Meat, Herbs, Cream, Wine |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week |
| Reheating | Reheat on a stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth |
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What You'll Learn
Creamy garlic butter sauce
To make the sauce, you will need butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and herbs. You can also add olive oil to prevent the butter from burning. Start by browning the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add your smashed garlic cloves and stir for about five minutes until you can smell the garlic aroma. Next, stir in the heavy cream, add Parmesan and your seasoning. You can also add Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt and pepper.
If you want a thinner sauce, you can use half and half instead of heavy cream, or add a tablespoon of flour mixed with water. You can also add sauteed mushrooms, thyme, and olive oil, or even pancetta or bacon. If you don't have Parmesan, you can substitute it for pecorino romano or another salty, crumbly Italian cheese.
Finally, add your cooked tortellini to the skillet, stirring to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of starchy pasta water at a time to thin it out. You can garnish with fresh herbs and shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
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Meat sauce
To make the meat sauce, start by browning the ground beef in a pan. Then, add the onions and garlic and cook them together. Transfer the cooked meat, garlic, and onions to a slow cooker and add your chosen marinara sauce. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 2 hours, or set it to low for 4 hours.
Once your meat sauce is ready, stir in the cooked cheese tortellini and let it cook for another 10 minutes. Before serving, garnish the dish with some parsley and grated parmesan cheese. This recipe is a quick and easy option for a delicious, rich meal.
If you want to add more vegetables to your sauce, feel free to include your favourites, such as roasted zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also add flavourings like olives or pine nuts to enhance the taste. For a creamier sauce, simply add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an extra 5 minutes to thicken.
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Tomato-based red sauce
A tomato-based red sauce is a great option to pair with cheese tortellini. This sauce is typically made with canned diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic, though you can also use whole tomatoes and squish them with your hands before adding them to the pan. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder instead of fresh garlic and onion. Saute the onion and garlic with spices and add the remaining ingredients, bringing the mixture to a boil. You can also add some spinach to the sauce, cooking it until it starts to wilt.
To make the sauce creamier, you can add milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream. You can also add flour to thicken the sauce. Parmesan cheese is a great addition to this sauce, providing a salty and umami flavor. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a little spice. This sauce is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, as it can be made in about 15 to 20 minutes.
For an extra indulgent touch, you can brown the butter before adding the other ingredients. This will give the sauce a sweet and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients well. However, be careful not to burn the butter, as the difference between browned and burnt butter is subtle. You can also add olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.
This tomato-based red sauce is a versatile option that can be paired with various tortellini fillings. You can use classic four-cheese tortellini or try fillings like pumpkin, spinach, or meat. This sauce is also a good option if you want to add other ingredients like shrimp, chicken, bacon, or sausage. It's a simple and flavorful sauce that won't overpower the taste of the pasta or the fillings.
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White wine cream sauce
Cheese tortellini is a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with various sauces to enhance its flavour. One option that perfectly complements the cheese filling is a white wine cream sauce, a rich and indulgent choice that adds a touch of elegance to this simple pasta dish.
To make a white wine cream sauce, you'll start by sautéing garlic in butter over medium heat. This step forms the base of your sauce, infusing it with the aromatic flavours of garlic. You can also add some red pepper flakes at this stage for a subtle kick of spice. Once the garlic is cooked, it's time to add the wine. Go for a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc—you don't need an expensive bottle, but something cheap and cheerful will do the trick. Let the wine reduce by half, adding a nice acidic kick to the sauce without making it sweet.
Now it's time to add the cream. Go for heavy cream, as its high-fat content will create a rich, silky texture and reduce the risk of curdling. Pour in the cream and bring it to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken. At this point, you can also add some spinach, which adds a pop of colour, a nutritious boost, and a fresh flavour to the sauce. Give the spinach a few minutes to wilt, then remove the sauce from the heat.
Finally, it's time to add some cheese. Grated Parmesan adds depth to the sauce and pairs perfectly with the cheese tortellini. Stir the Parmesan into the sauce, allowing it to melt slightly and become creamy. You can also add some shredded chicken, sautéed Brussels sprouts, or even a bit of pancetta or bacon for extra flavour and texture.
This sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, taking just about 20 minutes to prepare. It's a simple vegetarian option that can be made with store-bought, refrigerated tortellini. To serve, simply toss the cooked tortellini with the sauce and let the flavours meld for a few minutes. You can also garnish with some chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
This white wine cream sauce is a delightful way to elevate your cheese tortellini, adding a touch of elegance to a classic comfort food. It's a versatile sauce that you can adapt to your taste, making it as creamy or spicy as you like. Enjoy the process of crafting this sauce and impress your family and friends with a restaurant-style meal.
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Cacio e Pepe
To make Cacio e Pepe with cheese tortellini, you'll first want to grate some young Pecorino Romano cheese and place it in a bowl. Grind plenty of black pepper on top. Set a pot of lightly salted water to boil—the water should be about half as salty as you would usually make it, as the cheese is quite salty. Cook the tortellini, and add a few ladles of the starchy cooking water to the bowl with the cheese. Gently stir to obtain a creamy sauce. Drain the tortellini when they are al dente, and add them to the bowl. Stir well, adding more hot water as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some simple sauces that can be used with cheese tortellini:
- Creamy garlic butter sauce
- Garlic white wine sauce
- Meat sauce
To make a creamy garlic butter sauce, you will need butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and herbs. First, smash some garlic cloves and add them to a skillet with butter over medium heat. After about five minutes, add a lug of olive oil to the skillet to prevent the garlic and butter from burning. Then, add heavy cream and herbs to the skillet and stir.
To make a meat sauce for your cheese tortellini, you will need ground beef, garlic, onion, marinara sauce, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. First, brown the ground beef in a pan and add the garlic and onion to cook with the beef. Then, add the cooked meat, garlic, and onions to a slow cooker with your marinara sauce. Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook for 2 hours, or set it to low heat and cook for 4 hours. Finally, stir the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce and cook for another 10 minutes.
