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These creamy tomato tortellinis are my go-to when I want something cozy without spending all night cooking. The velvety sauce coating the pasta with those melt-in-your-mouth tomatoes reminds me of my Italian grandma's cooking. It's become my little trick for quick dinners that always impress everyone.
Delightful Mealtime Joy
I've made this my staple for busy evenings. The tomato cream sauce hugging those tortellinis creates a complete, balanced dish. I always throw in some fresh spinach that works so well with the rich sauce - it's my sneaky healthy addition that kids don't even notice.
Shopping List
- Olive oil: Just 1/2 spoon makes everything better.
- Shallot: 1 good-sized one for gentle flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves for extra punch.
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, nice and juicy.
- Roasted peppers: 1/2 cup for sweetness.
- Tomato paste: 1 spoon to boost flavor.
- Seasonings: The perfect blend of salt, basil and Italian herbs.
- Cream: 1 cup for silky texture.
- Parmesan: 3/4 cup for that special touch.
- Spinach: A big handful for freshness.
- Tortellinis: 3 cups of pure comfort.
Kitchen Wizardry
- Flavor Foundation
- I slowly cook the shallot and garlic in oil to build that amazing taste base.
- Soft Tomatoes
- Then I add my tomatoes and let them slowly break down, gently squishing them to release their juices.
- Silky Sauce
- I mix in all my aromatics then pour in the cream and let everything simmer until perfectly blended.
- Bringing It Together
- I finish with my tortellinis, spinach and parmesan and it's ready to enjoy.
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Extra Tips
My trick is to gently mash the tomatoes while they cook so they release all their goodness. For folks who like a kick, I sometimes add red pepper flakes. And a handful of fresh basil at the end brings that wonderful Italian touch that makes you feel like you're on vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the tortellini for another stuffed pasta?
- Sure, ravioli or tortelloni work nicely. Pick a cheese-stuffed option so it pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- → How can I make this sauce lighter?
- Use light cream or a mix of milk and cream instead of heavy cream. Adding extra spinach helps boost the veggies too.
- → Are canned tomatoes okay to use?
- Yes, you can use crushed canned tomatoes, just cook it for a shorter time. Fresh cherry tomatoes give a sweeter flavor though.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Try to avoid the microwave, as it can toughen the pasta.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
- A simple green salad or garlic bread goes great. The pasta already has veggies, so it's a balanced meal on its own.