Heart-Healthy Tortellini with Cream Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this 'Heart-Healthy Tortellini with Cream Sauce,' a guilt-free twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring tender whole wheat tortellini stuffed with spinach and ricotta, this dish is elevated by a luscious, dairy-free cream sauce made with unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, and low-sodium vegetable broth. The addition of garlic, fresh baby spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes infuses vibrant, wholesome flavors, while a touch of lemon juice adds a bright zest. This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, is perfect for a health-conscious weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dairy-free alternative for a decadent yet heart-smart finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Whole wheat tortellini (stuffed with spinach and ricotta or preferred filling)
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece Shallot, finely chopped
• 1 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast
• 2 cups Baby spinach, fresh
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 0.25 tsp Salt (optional, heart-healthy adjustment)
• 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use dairy-free alternative)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the whole wheat tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium vegetable broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring frequently.

Step 4

Slowly add the unsweetened almond milk to the skillet, continuing to stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5

Stir in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt (if using), and ground black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 6

Add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.

Step 7

Toss the cooked tortellini into the skillet, gently stirring to coat it with the cream sauce.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Step 9

Serve the Heart-Healthy Tortellini with Cream Sauce warm, dividing into four portions. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1145.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1120.5

Total Fat 47.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 76.0mg	0%
Sodium 2452.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 134.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.3g	0%
Total Sugars 14.7g
Protein 42.4g	0%

Vitamin D 100.0IU	0%
Calcium 1009.7mg	0%
Iron 11.3mg	0%
Potassium 1884.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.7%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 47.3%