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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini
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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender cheese-filled tortellini with a velvety roasted red pepper sauce made from cream, garlic, and Italian herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting yet sophisticated recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, easily customizable with proteins or veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen, filled with ricotta or preferred cheese) – 12 oz

Sauce

  • Roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade) – 1 cup, chopped
  • Heavy cream – 1 cup
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, grated
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend) – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Optional Garnishes and Add-ins

  • Fresh basil leaves – for garnish
  • Grated extra parmesan – for serving
  • Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts – for crunch

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped roasted red peppers and Italian seasoning, stirring briefly to combine.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the garlic and pepper mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender in the skillet. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Return the blended sauce to the skillet for the next step.
  4. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the creamy tortellini to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use quality roasted red peppers with a smoky-sweet flavor for best results.
  • Cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain texture in the creamy sauce.
  • Blend the sauce thoroughly for a smooth and velvety consistency.
  • Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for brightness and color.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half and half to reduce richness, adjusting thickness as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy roasted red pepper tortellini, easy tortellini recipe, vegetarian pasta, roasted pepper sauce, quick weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/creamy-roasted-red-pepper-tortellini/