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To make this dish, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for added spice When measuring ingredients, use dry measuring cups for solids and liquid measuring cups for liquids. For herbs, like basil, pack them lightly in the cup for better accuracy. Use a scale for cheese and tortellini to ensure you get the right amount. I love using Barilla for tortellini; it has great flavor. For canned tomatoes, Muir Glen offers rich and tasty options. For heavy cream, any brand from your local dairy should work well. If you're looking for Italian seasoning, McCormick’s blend is reliable and flavorful. 1. Heat the oil: Use a large pot. Add one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Sauté the garlic: Add three minced garlic cloves. Stir for one minute until it smells good. 3. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in one can of crushed tomatoes and two cups of vegetable broth. 4. Season the mix: Whisk in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer. 5. Cook the tortellini: Add two cups of tortellini to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently. 6. Stir in cream: Lower the heat. Mix in one cup of heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. 7. Add basil: Toss in one cup of chopped basil. Stir until the basil wilts a bit. 8. Finish with cheese: Add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. 9. Let it rest: Remove the pot from heat. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken. I recommend watching cooking videos online for a visual guide. They show each step clearly. Seeing the process can help you get the timing right. Look for videos that focus on creamy tortellini recipes. - Sautéing: Keep the garlic moving in the pan. This ensures it cooks evenly and does not burn. - Simmering: Let your sauce gently bubble. This allows flavors to blend well. - Stirring: Stir gently when adding tortellini. This keeps it from sticking to the pot. - Resting: Allowing the dish to sit helps the sauce thicken. It also enhances the flavors. When making Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini, a few mistakes can happen. First, don’t let the garlic burn. It can taste bitter if cooked too long. Keep an eye on it and cook until just fragrant. Second, avoid overcooking the tortellini. Follow package directions closely. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and lose texture. Finally, taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt can make a big difference. To boost the flavor of your dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will add a nice kick. You can also use fresh herbs. Try adding thyme or oregano along with the basil. Fresh herbs give a brighter taste than dried ones. Another tip is to finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This adds richness and depth to the dish. Lastly, don’t skip the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds creaminess and umami. For this recipe, you need a large pot. A heavy-bottomed pot works best, as it heats evenly. You’ll also need a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring. A whisk is helpful for mixing the broth and seasoning. Lastly, have a sharp knife and cutting board ready for chopping the garlic and basil. Using the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. {{image_4}} You can use many types of tortellini in this dish. Cheese tortellini is classic, but you can also try spinach or mushroom-filled ones. Each option adds a unique taste. If you want more protein, look for tortellini filled with chicken or even sausage. These choices will change the dish's flavor and texture, making it new and exciting. To make this dish vegan, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheese to replace the Parmesan. For gluten-free needs, choose gluten-free tortellini. They are widely available and taste great too. These changes keep the meal creamy and delicious without losing the fun. You can add different herbs for a new twist. Try oregano or thyme for a different taste. For more heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also include veggies like spinach or zucchini. Just toss them in during the cooking process. Each addition brings new life to your creamy tomato basil tortellini. To store leftover creamy tortellini, first let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a good option. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat them on the stove. Just add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. If you want to freeze creamy tortellini, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. After that, reheat using the guidelines above for a quick meal. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it directly to the pot with the sauce. You do not need to thaw it first. It will cook in the sauce as it heats up. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. This method saves time and still tastes great. To add spice, use red pepper flakes. A pinch goes a long way. You can mix it in when you add the cream. For more heat, add extra flakes to your bowl before serving. Another option is to use spicy Italian sausage instead of tortellini. This dish pairs well with a salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds a fresh touch. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. For a drink, try a light white wine or sparkling water. Enjoy your meal! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious creamy tomato basil tortellini. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to avoid mistakes. We also looked at storage methods and answered common questions. Making this dish can be simple and fun. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can impress anyone. The variations give you ways to customize your meal. Enjoy your cooking and share your tasty results!

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini One Pot

Indulge in the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Delight, a comforting dish that's quick and easy to prepare! This recipe combines cheese tortellini with a rich and creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan for a burst of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this meal is sure to impress. Discover the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable—click to explore all the delicious details!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for added spice

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown.

    Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes, and then add the vegetable broth. Whisk in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.

      Add the cheese tortellini to the bubbling pot. Cook according to the package directions, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

        Once the tortellini is tender, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream until it is fully incorporated, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

          Toss in the roughly chopped basil, stirring just until the basil is slightly wilted—this will release its aromatic flavors. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage.

            Finish the dish by adding the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese has melted, resulting in a luxuriously creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

              Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes—this will allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy tortellini in deep, rustic bowls. For an attractive finishing touch, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Optionally, drizzle a hint of high-quality olive oil over the top to elevate its appearance and flavor.