Go Back
- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream You need cheese tortellini as the star of this dish. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini. Both work well. Crushed tomatoes add rich flavor and color. They make the sauce tasty and creamy. Heavy cream is the secret to that wonderful texture. It brings all the flavors together. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Italian seasoning adds depth to the sauce. It blends herbs like oregano and thyme. Fresh basil gives a bright, fresh taste. You should always use fresh basil if you can. Grated Parmesan cheese is the finishing touch. It melts into the sauce, making it even creamier. - Red pepper flakes - 2 cups vegetable broth Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. If you like heat, add them to taste. Vegetable broth helps create a flavorful base. You can use water, but broth adds more richness. This will make your meal even better. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, pour in one 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Follow this with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, it’s time to add the star of the dish: 2 cups of cheese tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to its package directions, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. This helps the tortellini cook evenly and prevents it from sticking. Check the tortellini often to see if it's cooked just right. Once the tortellini is cooked, lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until it blends well into the sauce. Next, add 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. Stir gently until the basil just wilts. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste. Finally, finish the dish with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini. Fresh tortellini cooks fast and tastes great. Frozen tortellini is easy to find and can save time. Both options work well in this recipe. If you have time, try fresh for the best flavor. If you're in a hurry, frozen is perfect. Just adjust your cooking time based on what you choose. To change the creaminess, add more or less heavy cream. If you want it richer, add a bit more. For a lighter dish, use less cream. You can also boost the flavor with extra seasonings. Try adding garlic powder, extra basil, or even a splash of lemon juice. Each tweak can change the dish's taste, making it unique to you. For a beautiful presentation, serve the tortellini in deep bowls. Top each bowl with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Drizzle some olive oil on top for a nice touch. You can pair this dish with a crisp salad or some garlic bread. These sides will complement the creamy flavors well. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to this dish. For a heartier meal, try adding chicken or shrimp. Cook the protein first, then mix it in with the tortellini. For chicken, use diced breast. For shrimp, choose medium-sized shrimp and sauté until pink. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can add beans or lentils. Both will boost protein without meat. They also add texture and flavor to the dish. If you want a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice texture and richness. For cheese, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can blend the ingredients for a smooth sauce. Feel free to get creative with different vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Just chop them up and add them in with the tortellini. They will cook quickly and add great nutrition. You can also use homemade marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes. This adds a deeper flavor. If you have extra sauce, this is a great way to use it. Just combine it with the other ingredients as you normally would. To store your creamy tomato basil tortellini, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always label the container with the date, so you know when to use it. When reheating, use a stovetop for best results. Pour the tortellini into a pot. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help keep it creamy. Avoid using high heat, as it can cause the cream to separate. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, use the stovetop method mentioned above. Add a little cream to regain that creamy texture. Yes, you can! While tortellini is fun, you can swap for various shapes. Try using farfalle, penne, or even shells. Each will change the texture a bit, but they will soak up the sauce well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. For example, small pasta cooks faster, while larger shapes need more time. This dish stays tasty in the fridge for about three to four days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. When you reheat, do it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick. This helps keep the sauce creamy and delicious. Absolutely! To make it vegan, switch the cheese tortellini for a vegan pasta. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Adjust seasonings to your taste. The dish will still be rich and full of flavor! This blog covered how to make a tasty dish with cheese tortellini, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream. I shared tips for seasoning and garnishing with fresh basil and Parmesan. You learned how to choose tortellini, adjust creaminess, and explore protein options. Remember, you can freeze leftovers and easily reheat them later. I hope this guide inspires you to try new variations. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of your delicious meal!

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini One Pot

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini that’s quick and easy to make! This delicious recipe blends cheese tortellini with a rich tomato and basil sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a creamy meal that your family will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress everyone with your culinary skills!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

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

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

      Add the cheese tortellini to the pot, and cook according to package directions (usually about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.

        Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.

          Add the chopped basil and stir until just wilted. If using, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

            Finish with grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

              Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the tortellini in deep bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delightful touch. Optionally, drizzle with a bit of olive oil for an elegant finish.