Spinach Tortellini Skillet Recipe

A warm, comforting dish with a burst of Italian-inspired flavor, the Spinach Tortellini Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with fresh spinach, it delivers both comfort and nutrition in every satisfying bite.

Tender cheese-filled tortellini are tossed in a velvety tomato cream sauce, enriched with aromatic garlic, dried herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch, balancing the richness while boosting both color and flavor.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet dinner is as practical as it is delicious. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it transforms an ordinary evening into a cozy, flavorful mealtime experience worth savoring.

Spinach Tortellini Skillet Ingredients

Cheese Tortellini – Soft pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese, providing a hearty base and comforting texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Fresh Spinach – Adds vibrant color, earthy freshness, and a boost of nutrients, balancing the richness of the dish.

Garlic – Brings a warm, aromatic depth that infuses the sauce with savory complexity.

Petite Diced Tomatoes – Deliver bright acidity and juiciness, creating the flavorful backbone of the sauce.

Cream Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a silky, luscious creaminess that ties all flavors together.

Parmesan Cheese – Finishes the dish with a nutty, salty edge, enhancing every bite with savory richness.

Recipe Tips

1. Use Fresh Spinach for Best Flavor
While frozen spinach can work in a pinch, fresh spinach delivers a brighter flavor and better texture. Chop it into bite-sized pieces so it wilts evenly into the sauce, blending perfectly without clumping.

2. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini
Cheese tortellini cooks quickly—usually just a few minutes. Overcooking can cause the pasta to split and lose its creamy filling. Drain it promptly and add it to the sauce right away to lock in flavor and texture.

3. Create a Silky Sauce
Cutting the cream cheese into small chunks ensures faster, smoother melting. Stir continuously, or whisk if needed, to avoid lumps. This technique helps the sauce become luxuriously creamy, perfectly coating each bite of pasta.

What to Serve with Spinach Tortellini Skillet

Pair this rich, creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors. A side of crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, which add extra color, texture, and nutrition to your dinner table. These simple sides enhance the dish without overpowering its comforting Italian-inspired flavors.

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini works perfectly. Adjust the cooking time according to package directions, as it usually cooks faster than frozen.

Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and less Parmesan, or replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter twist.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, store the sauce and tortellini separately, then combine and heat just before serving.

Q: What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula are great alternatives, though they may need a slightly longer cooking time to soften.

Spinach Tortellini Skillet

The Spinach Tortellini Skillet offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying evening meal. With a creamy tomato-based sauce, tender pasta, and fresh greens, this dish comes together effortlessly using simple, wholesome ingredients.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 People

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• Frozen cheese tortellini
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Petite diced tomatoes canned with juices
• Cream cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Method

 

1. Finely mince the garlic and place it in a large skillet with olive oil. Sauté over medium heat for approximately one minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma and turn lightly golden.
2. Incorporate the canned petite diced tomatoes, including their juices, into the skillet. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking until the tomato mixture is thoroughly heated.
3. Cut the cream cheese into small portions and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the tomato base. A whisk may be used to achieve a velvety consistency if required.
4. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the frozen tortellini and cook according to package guidelines, generally about three minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain well in a colander.
5. While the tortellini drain, chop the fresh spinach into bite-sized pieces. Stir the spinach into the sauce, allowing the residual heat to wilt it evenly.
6. Add the drained tortellini to the skillet, combining them with the creamy tomato-spinach sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta thoroughly.
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning or salt to taste. Serve promptly for optimal flavor and texture.