Tortellini with a Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Tortellini with a Tomato Basil Cream Sauce, a recipe that combines tender cheese-filled pasta with a luxuriously creamy, herb-infused tomato sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of rich and fresh, featuring juicy canned crushed tomatoes simmered with fragrant garlic, a touch of sugar, and freshly torn basil leaves. The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese transforms the sauce into a silky, decadent coating for the pillowy tortellini. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20, this restaurant-quality meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Finish it with more Parmesan and fresh basil for a vibrant presentation, and don’t forget to serve it alongside crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete Italian-inspired feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz Cheese tortellini
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 quarts Water
• 1 tbsp Kosher salt (for boiling water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the water.

Step 2

Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Stir in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 8

Add the fresh basil leaves, tearing them into smaller pieces as you stir them into the sauce.

Step 9

Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 11

If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 12

Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently toss to coat.

Step 13

Simmer the tortellini in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to warm through.

Step 14

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4931.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1449.1

Total Fat 121.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 280mg	0%
Sodium 10048.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 34.0g
Protein 27.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 833.5mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 1745.6mg	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: 77.0%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 15.4%