Description
A quick and convenient one-pot creamy tortellini alfredo that cooks in under 20 minutes. The pasta releases starch to thicken the sauce naturally, creating a rich, restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (24 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince garlic, grate parmesan, and measure cream and broth.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not brown.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir to combine and scrape up any bits from the bottom. Add Italian seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add refrigerated tortellini to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until tortellini is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Add fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted (about 60-90 seconds).
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella gradually until melted and smooth.
- Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Refrigerated tortellini is preferred over dried for this one-pan method as it cooks faster and stays tender. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Do not freeze leftovers as dairy-based sauces may separate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: tortellini alfredo, one pot dinner, easy pasta, creamy tortellini, weeknight dinner, quick meals, comfort food