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To make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini, you need a few key items. Gather these essential ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 4 cups vegetable broth These ingredients form the base of your dish. The olive oil adds richness. Garlic gives a strong, savory flavor. Diced tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity. Vegetable broth adds depth to the sauce. Next, you'll need the main elements that make this dish creamy and tasty. Grab these key components: - 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Cheese tortellini provides a delightful bite. Heavy cream creates a smooth, rich sauce. Fresh basil adds bright, herbal notes. Italian seasoning gives that classic Italian flavor. Finally, finish your dish with some seasoning and garnish. Use these to enhance your meal: - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Salt and pepper help balance flavors. Grated Parmesan adds a savory touch when you serve the dish. Together, these ingredients make your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini a delicious treat. - Preparing the ingredients: Gather all your ingredients first. You will need olive oil, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. This makes cooking easier and faster. - Sautéing garlic: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great, but don’t let it burn. - Combining tomatoes and broth: After the garlic is ready, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Next, add 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir it well so everything mixes nicely. - Bringing the mixture to a simmer: Turn the heat up slightly until the mixture starts to bubble. This means it is simmering, which is perfect for the next step. - Cooking time and stirring instructions: Add 1 package of refrigerated cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it gently from time to time to keep it from sticking to the bottom. - Adding cream and basil: Once the tortellini is tender, lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. Mix until everything is creamy and warm. - Adjusting sauce consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more broth or water. This will help you get the creaminess you like. - Serving suggestions: Serve the dish hot. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra basil leaves. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your meal! How to choose the right tortellini For this dish, I like to use cheese tortellini. Look for fresh or refrigerated options. They cook faster and taste better than dried ones. Check the label for quality cheese and simple ingredients. Adjusting creaminess levels You can control how creamy your sauce is. If you want it richer, add more heavy cream. For a lighter option, use less cream or substitute with milk. If your sauce gets too thick, just add a bit more broth or water. Additional spices to try To boost flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also elevate the taste. Experiment with these to find your perfect mix. Using different types of tomatoes Try using fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor. San Marzano tomatoes also work well and add sweetness. You can even blend fresh tomatoes into the sauce for a vibrant taste. Creative serving ideas Serve your tortellini in rustic bowls for a cozy feel. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top. A few extra basil leaves make it look fresh and inviting. Pairing with sides and drinks Crusty bread is perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish nicely. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water enhances the meal. {{image_2}} You can change the proteins in your tortellini dish. Try adding cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. If you want a lighter option, use turkey sausage. For plant-based alternatives, choose tofu or tempeh. These options add flavor and nutrition. Add vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Simply chop and toss them in during cooking. You can also experiment with cheeses. Try adding mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese for different tastes. Each cheese will change the dish’s creaminess and flavor. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer this choice. You can also make a simple sauce with gluten-free pasta. If you're vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For a cheese-free version, skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. I recommend using glass containers for easy reheating. You can use plastic containers, but glass is safer for hot food. For freezing, portion the dish into smaller containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This helps avoid spills. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir often until it is heated through. The tortellini can stay in the fridge for about 3-5 days. In the freezer, it lasts up to 3 months. Signs of spoilage include off smells, changes in color, or mold. If you see any of these signs, it is best to throw it away. Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add them directly to the pot. You might need to extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Keep stirring until they are cooked through. How do I make it less creamy? To make it less creamy, reduce the amount of heavy cream. You can also add more vegetable broth. This will keep the dish flavorful while making it lighter. How can I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also try adding sautéed jalapeños for more heat. What's the best way to reheat? Reheat in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You may need to add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, fresh tomatoes work well. Use about four medium tomatoes, chopped. You may need to add a little water for moisture. What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or milk instead. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk. This will still give you a creamy texture. This blog post covered a simple but tasty tortellini recipe. We explored the essential ingredients, like olive oil and garlic, and key components such as cheese tortellini and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, plus tips to make your dish pop. You can swap ingredients, adjust flavors, and even store leftovers safely. Feel free to experiment based on your taste and diet. With these ideas, you can create a delicious meal every time. Enjoy cooking, and let your creativity shine!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this one-pot creamy tomato basil tortellini recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines rich flavors and creamy texture in just 25 minutes. With simple ingredients like cheese tortellini, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic, it's a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

4 cups vegetable broth

1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

    Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

      Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

        Once the tortellini are tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, chopped basil, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until creamy and heated through.

          Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired creaminess.

            Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in rustic bowls with additional basil leaves for garnish, and a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!