Cheese Tortellini with Vegetables: Easy Recipe (5 Ingredients)

Cheese tortellini with vegetables is a delightful and simple meal that blends the comforting goodness of pasta with fresh, healthy vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines rich, cheesy tortellini with sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and onions, all coated in a flavorful herby marinara sauce. It’s a quick, nutritious, and satisfying option that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Tortellini with Vegetables Recipe

This cheese tortellini with vegetables recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. It offers the perfect balance of comfort food and fresh, seasonal ingredients. The tortellini is filled with creamy cheese, while the vegetables provide both flavor and texture, making it a well-rounded meal. With the added bonus of being quick to prepare, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet healthy.

Ingredients

• Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish, this pasta is filled with creamy cheese and acts as the perfect base for the vegetable mix and sauce.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Corn: Offers a sweet and crunchy element that complements the other vegetables.
• Grape Tomatoes: These burst in the pan, adding a juicy, tangy contrast to the creamy tortellini.
• Zucchini: Adds a mild flavor and a slightly tender texture to balance the other vegetables.
• Garlic: Adds a savory aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Marinara Sauce: The base for the dish’s rich, herby sauce.
• Fresh Basil and Parsley: These fresh herbs bring brightness and a burst of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami finish, complementing the richness of the tortellini.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing any of the ingredients or need a variation, try these alternatives:

• Sausage Tortellini: For a meatier option, try sausage-filled tortellini.
• Frozen Corn: If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works just as well.
• Spinach Tortellini: A healthier twist that adds extra greens to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: For a creamy, pink sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, but one minute shy of the suggested cook time. This will ensure the tortellini doesn’t overcook.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Then, add the corn and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Zucchini: Stir in the grape tomatoes and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and garlic, cooking for another 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes have burst.
4. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Drain the tortellini, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Add the tortellini and marinara sauce to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
5. Finish the Dish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh basil and parsley, then toss with half of the grated parmesan cheese.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, topped with the remaining parmesan cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• Avoid Overcooking the Vegetables: To maintain their texture and color, sauté the vegetables just until tender. Avoid cooking them until they become mushy.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the dish feels dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water or drizzle with a little more olive oil to add moisture.
• Use Fresh Tortellini: For the best texture and flavor, opt for refrigerated or fresh tortellini rather than frozen or dried versions.
• Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in some heavy cream along with the marinara sauce for a rich pink sauce variation.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This cheese tortellini with vegetables is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for an extra hearty meal. If you want to boost the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken, sausage, or crispy bacon. For a lighter version, you could try serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted bell peppers.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’re preparing it in advance, store the pasta and vegetables separately, then toss them together with the sauce before serving. Reheat the leftovers in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Seasonal and Health Benefits

This cheese tortellini with vegetables is a perfect summer dish, featuring fresh seasonal produce like zucchini, tomatoes, and corn. It’s also a great source of vitamins and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. The combination of vegetables provides antioxidants and essential nutrients, while the tortellini gives you a comforting and satisfying base to enjoy.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting a summer gathering, or just craving a quick and wholesome meal, this cheese tortellini with vegetables is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation.

Conclusion

Cheese tortellini with vegetables is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich pasta with fresh, vibrant vegetables, making it an easy, healthy, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to enjoy during the summer, this dish offers a balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With its versatility, you can customize the recipe by adding different vegetables or proteins, ensuring that it suits any taste preference. This cheese tortellini with vegetables is a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire!

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