Rich Italian Creamy Tortellini with Parmesan is that warm hug of a meal you crave after a long day. Each bite unveils pillowy cheese tortellini that has been lovingly nestled in a velvety Parmesan sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. The richness of the heavy cream intertwines seamlessly with the nutty depth of freshly grated Parmesan, while sweet pops of peas and tangy whispers of sun-dried tomatoes add surprising bursts of brightness. As you twirl your fork, the bright green flecks of basil peek through, lending a fresh, herbaceous note that ties everything together. This dish isn’t just food—it’s an experience that transports you straight to the heart of an Italian trattoria, but with the comforting familiarity of your own kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together—no matter if you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone who cooks professionally, you’ll find this meal both approachable and deeply satisfying. In just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a dazzling dinner on the table that feels gourmet. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner, impressing friends at a casual gathering, or simply treating yourself to a little indulgence, this creamy tortellini delivers on comfort without skimping on elegance. With a total of 600 calories per serving, you can enjoy this luscious plate guilt-free, knowing that each component—from the tender tortellini to that silken sauce—has been chosen to create pure, mouthwatering joy.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN RICH ITALIAN CREAMY TORTELLINI WITH PARMESAN
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the stars of this dish. Each ingredient has its own role, coming together in harmony to deliver a luxurious flavor profile and a rich, creamy texture that makes this tortellini recipe truly unforgettable.
- Cheese Tortellini
The foundation of the dish, these little pasta pillows are filled with creamy cheese. They soak up the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness.
- Unsalted Butter
Provides a silky richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious base for the sauce, allowing other flavors to shine without overpowering them.
- Olive Oil
Gives a fruity, slightly peppery note that balances the butter’s creaminess. It also raises the smoke point, making the sautéed aromatics perfectly tender.
- Onion
Finely chopped and gently cooked until translucent, the onion lays down a sweet and savory flavor foundation that complements the creamy sauce.
- Garlic
Minced and briefly cooked, garlic adds a warm, pungent aroma that elevates the sauce with its classic Italian flair.
- Heavy Cream
The heart of the sauce, heavy cream brings a decadent thickness, ensuring the tortellini is coated in a luxuriously smooth blanket of dairy goodness.
- Chicken Broth
Adds depth and a subtle savory note without overwhelming the cream. Swap for vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
- Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated, this cheese is the soul of the sauce—its sharp, nutty flavor melts into the cream, creating that signature Italian taste.
- Italian Seasoning
A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean herbiness.
- Salt and Black Pepper
Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient, allowing the flavors to harmonize.
- Peas
Whether fresh or frozen, they add sweet bursts of freshness and a lovely pop of color to contrast the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Basil
Chopped and stirred in at the end, basil delivers a bright, floral note that lightens the richness with a hint of summer.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These little gems provide a concentrated tanginess and chewiness that cut through the cream, adding complexity and color.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan (for serving)
A final flourish that enhances cheesiness and adds a delicate, salty crunch on top of each plated serving.
HOW TO MAKE RICH ITALIAN CREAMY TORTELLINI WITH PARMESAN
Let’s roll up our sleeves and assemble this dreamy pasta masterpiece. From cooking the tortellini to building that irresistibly creamy sauce, each step is designed to maximize flavor while keeping things simple and approachable.
1. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente, making sure they have a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter with the olive oil. Once the butter is foaming, add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent and tender, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for an additional minute until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma without browning.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and to meld the flavors.
5. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth.
6. Season the sauce with the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
7. Gently fold in the peas and sun-dried tomatoes, letting them warm through for 2–3 minutes so they maintain a lovely texture and vibrant color.
8. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and use a gentle tossing motion to coat every piece with the creamy sauce, ensuring even coverage.
9. Stir in the fresh basil, allowing its bright fragrance to infuse the dish. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
10. Serve immediately, plating each portion with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that final cheesy flourish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR RICH ITALIAN CREAMY TORTELLINI WITH PARMESAN
Serving this creamy tortellini feels like hosting a mini Italian feast right in your dining room. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo dinner, a few thoughtful touches can elevate the experience and highlight the dish’s rich flavors. Picture a crisp green salad beside your plate or the clinking of wine glasses—these small details make all the difference when presenting this comfort classic to friends and family.
- Pair with a Simple Arugula Salad
Toss fresh arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to cut through the richness of the tortellini. The peppery greens create a refreshing counterpoint that brightens the meal.
- Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread
A loaf of warm, crusty Italian bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every bit of that creamy Parmesan sauce. Offer bread baskets to let guests help themselves.
- Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Just before serving, add a swirl of high-quality EVOO and a grind of fresh black pepper on top of each portion. This finishing touch adds flavor depth and a beautiful sheen.
- Include a Glass of Cold White Wine
A light, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce, cleansing the palate between bites and rounding out the flavors.
HOW TO STORE RICH ITALIAN CREAMY TORTELLINI WITH PARMESAN
If you have leftovers (and believe me, you might!), proper storage will keep your tortellini just as delightful the next day. Creamy pasta dishes can change texture when cooled, so follow these tips to preserve that luscious sauce and tender pasta.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Allow the dish to cool slightly, then transfer it to a sealed container. Store in the coldest part of your fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s silky texture.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
If you plan to keep it beyond a few days, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Tips
Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding small amounts of cream or broth to prevent the sauce from breaking. Avoid high heat, which can cause separation.
- Separate Components
For best results, consider storing tortellini and sauce in separate containers if you know you’ll have leftovers. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy over time.
CONCLUSION
This Rich Italian Creamy Tortellini with Parmesan has taken us on a delightful journey through the best of simple, comforting Italian cooking. From the moment you simmer onions and garlic in butter and olive oil, you start building layers of flavor that culminate in a velvety sauce studded with sweet peas and bright sun-dried tomatoes. The freshly grated Parmesan cheese melds everything into pure, cheesy bliss, and the basil at the end brings a fresh, aromatic lift that keeps each bite balanced. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this dish delivers big on taste and big on heart.
If you loved following along, go ahead and print this article to keep in your recipe box—you’ll find it’s a go-to meal that never disappoints. Feel free to save it for later, and remember there’s an FAQ section below to answer any questions you might have. I’d absolutely love to hear how your creamy tortellini turned out, any custom tweaks you made, or if you ran into any snafus along the way. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or ask away if you need help. Happy cooking, friends!
Rich Italian Creamy Tortellini with Parmesan
Description
Experience a luscious blend of cheesy tortellini enveloped in a creamy Parmesan sauce, bursting with fresh peas and sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite is a taste of Italy!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
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Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it has melted into the sauce.
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Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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Stir in the peas and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to combine, ensuring the tortellini is well coated in the creamy sauce.
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Stir in the fresh basil and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Note
- Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- You can use spinach or kale instead of peas for a different green vegetable option.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad and a glass of white wine.
