Name: Creamy Tomato Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 tablespoons butter; 2-3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper to taste; Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving, to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels as cozy as a big food hug but takes hardly any time at all, Creamy Tomato Tortellini is about to become your new go-to recipe! Imagine soft, pillowy tortellini smothered in a velvety tomato cream sauce with the gentle nudge of garlic and Italian herbs—then finished with a shower of parmesan. This is pure comfort in a pan, made fast, but with flavor that suggests you spent hours simmering. The best part? Everything cooks together for minimal fuss and maximum taste, making it perfect for quick family meals or when you want to impress without stress.

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Creamy Tomato Tortellini brings its own essential personality to the table—nothing is fussy, but together, they create something special. Here’s a peek at what you’ll need, along with a quick tip for each one.

Cheese tortellini (2 packages, 9 oz each): Pre-made, refrigerated tortellini make this meal blissfully simple and quick to pull together, with no need to pre-boil!
Butter (2 tablespoons): The buttery base adds a rich, luxurious mouthfeel that sets the stage for all the flavors to bloom.
Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is a must for fragrant depth—let it just sizzle, not brown, for the ideal gentle bite.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): This little spoonful packs a punch, giving the sauce body and that slow-cooked umami depth.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 14 fl oz): Go for a good-quality tomato sauce for that bright, tangy tomato foundation.
Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): This is what makes the sauce truly creamy and decadent—don’t skimp!
Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): A little sprinkle ties the flavors together with warm, herby notes.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors—taste as you go and season confidently.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste): Finish with plenty for savory, salty magic right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Tortellini

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s gently bubbling, toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Keep things moving—garlic burns fast, and for our Creamy Tomato Tortellini, you want just the aroma and mellow bite. The minute the garlic turns fragrant but before it colors, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. As you stir everything together or whisk, you’ll see the sauce turn beautifully smooth and silky, with a soft coral hue. This is the heart of the dish, where the tomato’s tang gets mellowed by cream and enriched by that utterly divine garlic base.

Step 3: Add the Tortellini

Time for the magic: Stir your cheese tortellini right into the sauce—no need to precook them. The fresh pasta will simmer gently, soaking up all that tangy creaminess. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let everything cook for about 5 minutes. The tortellini will plump up and the sauce will thicken slightly as starches release into the pan.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Finish Cooking

Peek inside: if your tortellini are still a touch too firm, simply cook another couple of minutes. Don’t be afraid to add a splash more cream or a bit of broth if the sauce gets too thick—different stovetops and pans can vary. Give a stir to make sure nothing sticks, and relish that lush, clinging sauce.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Generously season with salt and pepper until the flavors sing. Don’t hold back on the pepper—it adds lovely warmth. Immediately dish up, then blanket each bowlful with plenty of freshly grated parmesan for that final flourish. That’s Creamy Tomato Tortellini, ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Tortellini

Garnishes

Elevate each plate with a hearty sprinkle of parmesan, a scattering of torn fresh basil leaves, or even a drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness. A few cracks of black pepper over the top add visual appeal and a peppery kick that complements the creamy tomato flavor.

Side Dishes

Creamy Tomato Tortellini is truly satisfying on its own, but it loves a simple green side! Think crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette, roasted garlic broccoli, or warm, crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that luxurious sauce. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water, and dinner is set!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve your Creamy Tomato Tortellini in shallow pasta bowls and finish each with a tiny dollop of pesto, or nestle the tortellini on a bed of wilted spinach for color contrast. For family-style fun, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves (don’t forget lots of extra parmesan on the side).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Creamy Tomato Tortellini, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to three days, making for quick and comforting lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Creamy sauces can separate a bit when frozen, but if you want to stash some away, freeze your tortellini and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Just be aware the texture might be slightly less silky upon reheating, but it’s still delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add your Creamy Tomato Tortellini to a skillet with a splash of cream or milk. Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate; gentle and patient is the key for creamy, dreamy results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! If you use frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time in the sauce—no need to thaw first.

Can I add protein to Creamy Tomato Tortellini?

Yes, stir in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even shrimp for a heartier meal. Keep the pieces bite-sized so they blend right in with the pasta.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though the result will be a little less rich and thick. Add lots of veggies like spinach or zucchini for an even fresher spin!

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

The tortellini release starch as they cook, so if your sauce thickens too much, just stir in a splash of extra cream or a bit of milk, broth, or even pasta water until it reaches your perfect consistency.

Can I make Creamy Tomato Tortellini ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce ahead and refrigerate it, then reheat and add the tortellini just before serving so the pasta stays perfectly tender and not overcooked.

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for a fast, family-friendly dinner that’s brimming with comfort and flavor, Creamy Tomato Tortellini should be next on your table. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—so grab those ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a bowlful of creamy, tomatoey goodness soon!