Creamy Tortellini With Spinach

Creamy Tortellini with Spinach is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with fresh spinach in a luscious, velvety sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy dinners at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes

• Rich and satisfying with a creamy sauce

• Vegetarian-friendly and full of flavor

• One-pan dish for easy cleanup

• Great for kids and adults alike

• Can be customized with protein or extra veggies

• Uses simple, everyday ingredients

• Elegant enough to serve guests

• Easy to reheat and enjoy as leftovers

• Balanced with fresh spinach for added nutrition

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cheese tortellini

• Fresh spinach

• Olive oil

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Heavy cream

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt

• Ground black pepper

• Ground nutmeg (optional)

Directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

5. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.

7. Serve warm, optionally garnished with more Parmesan.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for protein

• Use sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor

• Try different tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta

• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or light cream for a lighter option

• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of spice

• Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw it completely and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it in advance and reheat gently before serving. Cook the tortellini slightly under to prevent overcooking when reheated.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half or a plant-based milk and reduce the amount of cheese to lighten the sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I freeze Creamy Tortellini with Spinach?

It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, which may separate when thawed.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a little pasta water, milk, or cream while reheating or just before serving if it thickens too much.

Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

Yes, sauté mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream for extra flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free tortellini and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, though tortellini is preferred for its filling. Ravioli or regular pasta can also be used.

How do I know when the tortellini is done?

Tortellini is usually done when it floats to the top of the boiling water and is tender but not mushy.

Conclusion

Creamy Tortellini with Spinach is a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers rich flavor and comforting textures in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a go-to favorite for weeknight meals or casual entertaining. Whether served on its own or with sides, it’s a reliable and delicious option any time of year.