30 Minutes Creamy Tortellini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe | Quick Italian Dinner Idea
"This 30 minutes creamy tortellini with cherry tomatoes recipe is the perfect quick Italian-inspired dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh tomato flavor, it’s a weeknight comfort food favorite."
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or packaged)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: red chili flakes for spice
Instructions
- Cook tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook tortellini until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Make sauce: Stir in cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Add reserved pasta water for silky consistency.
- Combine: Toss cooked tortellini in the sauce until evenly coated. Stir in Parmesan.
- Finish: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
- Expert tip: Reserve pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce and ensures it clings beautifully to the tortellini.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop with splash of cream or water. Avoid microwaving too long.
- Variations: Add spinach and mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or make vegan with cashew cream.
- Tip: Taste sauce before serving to adjust seasoning and balance flavors.