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- 12 ounces cheese tortellini - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button) - 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese The main ingredients bring flavor and texture. The cheese tortellini acts as the heart of this dish. I love using fresh tortellini for the best taste. The olive oil helps sauté the onions and mushrooms, adding depth. Onions give sweetness, while garlic adds a nice punch. Mushrooms provide an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Finally, Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick to balance the dish. - Salt and pepper - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Seasoning is crucial for a tasty dish. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Nutmeg adds warmth and rounds out the creaminess. Use fresh ground pepper for a stronger taste. Adjust these to your liking for the best result. - Fresh basil Fresh basil is an optional garnish that adds freshness. It makes the dish look beautiful too. Just sprinkle some on top before serving for that perfect touch. - First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Once boiling, add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini. - Cook according to package instructions until al dente. - Drain the tortellini in a colander. Set aside, keeping a bit of pasta water. - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. - Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms. - Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms soften and turn golden. - Then, stir in 5 cups of roughly chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. - Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Season with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. - Mix until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is creamy. - Carefully add the drained tortellini and toss gently to coat. - Heat everything through for 2-3 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if needed. - Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving. - Plate warm and garnish with fresh basil if desired. - To get the perfect al dente texture, boil the tortellini until just tender. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes less than the package says. - If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it up without losing creaminess. - Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Fresh thyme or oregano also works well to boost flavor. - If you want a twist on the classic flavor, swap the Parmesan with a sharp cheese like Pecorino Romano. This adds a nice zing. - Serve the tortellini in shallow bowls to highlight the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top adds an inviting touch. - Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. They balance the creaminess and add texture. {{image_4}} You can make your creamy spinach mushroom tortellini even heartier by adding protein. Here are two great options: - Chicken: Cook diced chicken breast in the skillet before adding the onions. This adds a nice savory touch and pairs well with the creamy sauce. - Shrimp: For a seafood twist, add shrimp to the skillet. Cook them until pink and firm before mixing in the spinach. They add a lovely flavor and texture. If you want to keep it meat-free, there are many tasty vegetarian options: - Other vegetables to include: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. They add color and enhance the dish's flavor. - Vegan options: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy taste while keeping it plant-based. Switching up the sauce can give this dish a whole new vibe: - Creamy pesto variation: Stir in some store-bought or homemade pesto into the cream. This adds a fresh, herby flavor that’s simply delightful. - Tomato-based options: For a lighter sauce, use crushed tomatoes or marinara. This gives a tangy twist and pairs nicely with the spinach and mushrooms. To keep your creamy spinach mushroom tortellini fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best, as they do not retain odors. Cool the dish before sealing it. This method helps keep the tortellini creamy and tasty. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, aim for low heat. Use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. This helps maintain creaminess. Stir often to prevent sticking. Heat just until warm. Avoid boiling, as this can change the texture. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Portioning helps when you want a quick meal. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To defrost, place in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of cream. This will help restore its creamy goodness. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just remember that the cooking time will change. - Tips for cooking frozen versus fresh: - Boil the water first, then add frozen tortellini. - Cook for about 3-5 minutes longer than fresh. - Check the package for specific cooking times. You can use several options if you want to skip heavy cream. - Non-dairy options and effects on texture: - Coconut milk gives a creamy texture. - Almond milk is lighter and less thick. - Cashew cream adds richness but may alter the flavor. Making this dish gluten-free is easy. - Gluten-free tortellini options: - Look for brands that offer gluten-free tortellini. - You can also use gluten-free pasta shapes like penne or shells. - Check labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. In this blog post, we explored a tasty cheese tortellini dish made with fresh ingredients. You learned how to cook the tortellini, sauté vegetables, and create a rich sauce. We discussed tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations to suit your taste and diet. Enjoy crafting this hearty meal that brings comfort and joy. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own!

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini

Indulge in a delicious one-pan meal with this creamy spinach mushroom tortellini recipe. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's loaded with flavor and features simple ingredients like cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and savory mushrooms, all smothered in a rich cream sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your dinner special tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces cheese tortellini

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Drain in a colander and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed later.

    While the tortellini cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn translucent and fragrant.

      Next, stir in the minced garlic and the sliced mushrooms. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and turn golden brown.

        Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and reduces in volume.

          Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, mixing well until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

            Carefully incorporate the drained tortellini into the skillet, gently tossing them in the creamy sauce to ensure they are well-coated. Allow everything to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

              Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary for your palate.

                Plate the creamy spinach mushroom tortellini warm, and for an added touch of freshness, garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired.

                  - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4