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Weeknight • pasta

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini

Cheese tortellini simmered right in a silky tomato cream sauce — dinner in one pot, on the table in 25 minutes.

Prep
5 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini

There are weeknights when even pulling out a colander feels like too much. This is the recipe for those nights. Cheese tortellini cooks right in a tomato cream sauce, soaking up all that flavor as it goes. By the time the pasta is tender, the sauce is silky and clinging. A handful of basil and parmesan and you are done.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan, plus more to serve
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

  2. Step 2

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the tortellini, making sure it's mostly submerged. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the tortellini is tender.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan. Taste and add more salt if needed. Simmer uncovered another minute to thicken slightly.

  5. Step 5

    Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan and serve right out of the pot.

Tips

  • No heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk + 1 tablespoon butter works in a pinch.
  • Stir in baby spinach or kale at the end for an easy vegetable boost.
  • This sauce thickens as it sits — loosen leftovers with a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

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