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To make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 250g (approximately 9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish. Each one plays a key role in building flavor. The olive oil adds a nice base, while the onion and garlic bring depth. The crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth provide a hearty sauce. The dried herbs, oregano and basil, enhance the tomato flavor, making it vibrant. Choose fresh or frozen cheese tortellini based on what you have. The heavy cream adds the perfect creaminess. Fresh basil gives a bright finish. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese makes it special. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it is soft and clear. This step builds a strong flavor base. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning the garlic. You want it fragrant, not brown. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once your base is simmering, it's time to add the tortellini. Stir them gently into the pot. Fresh tortellini usually cooks in about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen, check the package for the right time. Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it cooks just right. After the tortellini is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Mix until everything is well combined and warm. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, serve the creamy tortellini hot. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! - How to prevent overcooking tortellini: To avoid mushy tortellini, watch the cooking time. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen. Start checking them at 5 minutes. They should be soft but firm. If they feel too soft, they are overcooked. - Achieving optimal creaminess in the sauce: Add the heavy cream at the end of cooking. Stir it in on low heat. This keeps the cream smooth and prevents it from curdling. For extra creaminess, you can also add a bit more cheese. - Additional spices to consider: You can spice up your dish with a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. Smoked paprika can also add depth to the flavor. - How to customize with different herbs: Fresh herbs can change the whole dish. Try using thyme or parsley instead of basil. They give a fresh taste and new vibe. You can also mix herbs for a unique twist. - Garnishing with Parmesan and basil: When serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. Add fresh basil leaves for color. This makes your dish look fancy and inviting. - Creative serving ideas: Serve the tortellini in wide bowls for a nice look. Drizzle some olive oil on top for shine. You can also add a slice of crusty bread on the side. This makes a great meal. Pro Tips Fresh vs. Frozen Tortellini: If using fresh tortellini, reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 minutes. Frozen tortellini will need the full 5-7 minutes to cook through. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley for a unique flavor twist. Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter, dairy-free version. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. {{image_4}} You can swap tortellini with other pastas like penne or farfalle. This change keeps the dish fun and allows for different textures. If you want a dairy-free or vegan dish, try using plant-based cream. There are great options made from coconut or cashews. This way, you keep the creaminess while making it friendly for all diets. Adding protein can bring new life to your meal. Chicken or shrimp work great in this dish. Just cook them with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes. You can also add fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. They not only add color but also boost the nutrition in your dish. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different tomato sauces. A roasted garlic sauce or a spicy arrabbiata can change the flavor completely. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. This simple addition can elevate your creamy dish to a new level of deliciousness. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerating Leftovers: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the dish fresh and safe. - Freezing Tips: For longer storage, freeze the dish. Use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating creamy dishes needs care to avoid issues: - Best Practices: Heat in a pot over low heat. Stir gently and often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. - Avoiding Separation: To prevent the cream from separating, add a splash of broth or water. This helps maintain a smooth texture. Leftovers can be tasty, but watch for signs of spoilage: - How Long to Keep: Keep your leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If frozen, use them within three months for the best taste. - Signs of Spoilage: Check for off smells, strange colors, or mold. If you see any of these, it’s best to throw it away. Always prioritize food safety! Can I make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just heat it gently when you are ready to serve. The flavors will deepen and taste even better! What can I serve it with? This creamy tortellini pairs well with a simple green salad. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a great side. You can enjoy it with a glass of white wine for a special touch. Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the cheese tortellini. However, you can use gluten-free tortellini to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. So, if the recipe asks for one teaspoon of dried, use three teaspoons of fresh. How do I know when the tortellini is done cooking? Tortellini cooks quickly. It is done when it floats to the top of the pot. If you taste it, it should be tender but still firm. Can I substitute heavy cream with another dairy? Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt. Just stir it in after cooking to avoid curdling. What if I can’t find cheese tortellini? If you can’t find cheese tortellini, use any small pasta shape. Options like penne or farfalle work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different pasta types. This blog post provided a clear recipe for One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini. We discussed each step, from cooking the base to serving. I also shared tips for customizing flavors and ensuring a creamy sauce. Remember that storage and reheating are key to enjoying leftovers. In the end, this dish is versatile and fun to make. You can adjust it to fit your taste. Enjoy exploring this comforting meal that can delight anyone at your table!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring creamy tomato sauce and cheese tortellini, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 250 g cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  • Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and dried basil, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Once simmering, carefully add the tortellini, stirring to combine. Allow the tortellini to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and heated through. Note that cooking time may vary depending on whether you’re using fresh or frozen tortellini.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then gently stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil until everything is well mixed and warmed through.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
  • Serve the creamy tortellini hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil if you like.

Notes

For an enticing presentation, ladle the tortellini into wide bowls and add a drizzle of olive oil on top. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a scatter of Parmesan shavings for a restaurant-quality finish.
Keyword basil, creamy, one-pot, tomato, tortellini