Description
This delicious tortelloni recipe features tender cheese-filled pasta simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. The sauce combines buttery garlic, tomato paste, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, finished with heavy cream and fresh basil. Ready in just under 20 minutes, it’s a perfect comforting weeknight meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound refrigerated tortelloni pasta
- ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a skillet with a lid as you’ll need it later. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook these together for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Broth: Pour in the canned tomato sauce, chicken broth, and sprinkle in the oregano. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the tomato paste and combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Incorporate Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream (or half and half) and kosher salt. This will create a silky, creamy texture and balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Cook Tortelloni in Sauce: Add the refrigerated tortelloni to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with the lid, and let the pasta cook for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, check if the tortelloni are tender. If they need more time, continue to cover and cook, checking every minute until perfectly cooked.
- Serve with Cheese and Basil: Once the tortelloni are tender, remove from heat. Serve immediately by topping each plate with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil for a fresh herbal finish. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful pasta!
Notes
- Use refrigerated tortelloni for best texture and quick cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level according to your preference.
- Half and half can substitute heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Keep the skillet covered during cooking to evenly steam the tortelloni.
- Fresh basil adds bright flavor; substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable but reduce quantity by half.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: tortelloni, creamy tomato sauce, Italian pasta, easy dinner, cheese tortelloni, quick pasta recipe
