Spinach Tortellini Skillet
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
648 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Spinach Tortellini Skillet
Description
Spinach Tortellini Skillet features frozen cheese tortellini cooked until tender and combined with a creamy tomato sauce made by melting cream cheese into a spiced tomato base with garlic, basil, oregano, and fresh cracked black pepper. Fresh spinach chopped into bite-sized pieces is stirred into the sauce at the end, wilting slightly but retaining some texture and color. The sauce's richness comes from the cream cheese, and the fragrant garlic sautéed in olive oil forms its flavor foundation.
The tortellini is boiled separately until it floats, ensuring it is just cooked and tender, then combined with the creamy tomato and spinach sauce in the skillet. This method keeps the pasta from becoming overcooked or mushy. The final touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish to the dish.
This skillet meal can be served alone as a satisfying vegetarian option or alongside a light salad for a balanced dinner. It provides a creamy, hearty texture with fresh green spinach to brighten the plate.
The recipe suggests using petite diced tomatoes for a smoother sauce texture, but fire-roasted diced tomatoes will bring a more robust flavor. Frozen cheese tortellini cooks quickly and is convenient, but fresh or other flavored tortellini types can be used depending on preference.
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic $0.16
- 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.22
- 1 oz. can diced tomatoes $1.06, petite
- 1/2 tsp basil $0.05, dried
- 1/2 tsp oregano $0.05, dried
- 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.05, freshly cracked
- 4 oz. cream cheese $0.46
- 19 oz. cheese tortellini $2.98, frozen
- 2 cups spinach $2.28, fresh
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese $0.36, grated
Instructions
- Mince the garlic and add it to a large skillet with the olive oil. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about one minute, or just until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), basil, oregano, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and continue to cook and stir until the tomatoes are hot.
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks, then add it to the hot tomato sauce in the skillet. Continue to cook and stir until the cream cheese has melted into the tomatoes and created a smooth and creamy sauce (use a whisk, if needed).
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the tortellini. Once boiling, add the tortellini and continue to boil for about three minutes, or until they are all floating (make sure to check the package instructions for the recommended cook time). Drain the tortellini in a colander.
- While the tortellini is draining, roughly chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped spinach to the sauce in the skillet and stir to combine, allowing the heat to wilt the spinach.
- Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan over top and stir to combine. Give the tortellini a taste and adjust any salt or seasonings to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Tomato choice affects sauce texture; petite diced tomatoes keep it smooth while fire-roasted add depth of flavor.
- Frozen cheese tortellini cooks quickly (about 3 minutes), but use any tortellini type preferred following package instructions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 648 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1.5cups | |
| Calories | 648kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 77g | 26% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Sodium | 1057mg | 44% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.