Tortellini tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with plenty of salty Parmesan cheese and wilted baby spinach.

What Is Tortellini?

Cheese tortellini is a type of stuffed pasta traditionally filled with a blend of cheeses such as ricotta, parmesan, and sometimes mozzarella. The pasta is folded into small ring shapes and cooks quickly, making it a convenient ingredient for easy weeknight meals. Because tortellini already contains a flavorful filling, it pairs well with a wide variety of sauces including tomato sauce, creamy sauces, pesto, and simple butter sauces.

This recipe combines tender pasta with a rich tomato cream sauce, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together in about 20 minutes. Using store-bought tortellini makes this dish especially easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want a homemade dinner without a lot of effort.

Tortellini provides carbohydrates for energy along with protein and calcium from the cheese filling. Adding vegetables like spinach increases fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this a balanced and satisfying meal when paired with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Tortellini Recipe

• Easy to customize with vegetables or protein
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• Made with convenient store-bought cheese tortellini
• Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor
• A perfect easy weeknight dinner
• Kid-friendly and family approved

Ingredients & Substitutions

Cheese Tortellini

Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best for this recipe because it cooks quickly and has a soft texture. Frozen cheese tortellini can also be used, though the cooking time may be slightly longer.

Tomato Sauce

Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce form the base of the creamy tomato sauce and add a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese tortellini.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream creates the smooth and creamy texture in the sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds color, flavor, and extra nutrients. It wilts quickly in the sauce and blends well with the pasta.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated parmesan enhances the flavor of the sauce and complements the cheese filling in the tortellini.

How to Make Cheese Tortellini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor.
5. Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese to create a creamy tomato sauce.
6. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
8. Serve warm with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

FAQ

Can you use frozen cheese tortellini?

Yes. Frozen cheese tortellini works well for this recipe, but it may take a few extra minutes to cook.

Can cheese tortellini be reheated?

Leftover cheese tortellini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations

Chicken Tortellini
Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein.

Sausage Tortellini
Brown Italian sausage before adding the sauce for a heartier meal.

Vegetable Tortellini
Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.

Spicy Tortellini
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

What to Serve With Cheese Tortellini

Cheese tortellini is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides such as:

• Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
• Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
• Roasted Asparagus

Print

Cheese Tortellini with Tomato Cream Sauce

Cheese tortellini tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with plenty of salty Parmesan cheese and wilted baby spinach. 

Servings 4

Author Emily Weeks, RDN, LD

Ingredients

• 1 16- oz pkg cheese tortellini
• 1 14.5 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach julienned

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tortellini, and cook until tender, according to package directions. 
2. Meanwhile, heat the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, basil and garlic in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until bubbling. 
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk and half and half. Stir this mixture into the saucepan along with the Parmesan cheese. Heat through, then reduce heat to low, and simmer until thick, about 2 minutes.
4. Drain the tortellini, and add to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir in the baby spinach and let the heat wilt the spinach slightly. Serve with an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese.