Save Tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce with fresh spinach for a comforting, restaurant-worthy pasta dish.
I've loved making this dish whenever I need a quick and satisfying dinner. The combination of warm pasta and spinach brings together some of my favorite comfort flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Alfredo Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk, 100 g (1 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Vegetables: 120 g (4 cups) fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan (for serving), freshly cracked black pepper, chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- While tortellini cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Dairy:
- Pour in heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Cheese and Season:
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3, 4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Spinach:
- Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 1, 2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add drained tortellini to skillet. Toss gently to coat with sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley.
Save This creamy pasta is always a hit at family gatherings, and the kids especially love helping add the spinach at the end.
Required Tools
You'll need a large pot, large skillet, whisk, colander, and a wooden spoon or spatula to make this recipe smoothly.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has around 490 calories, 28 g fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the tortellini alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.
Save Serve the dish hot and savor the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce in every bite. A simple garnish completes this comforting pasta delight.
Recipe Help
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Cheese tortellini works best as it holds the creamy sauce well and adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
- → Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh baby spinach is ideal as it wilts quickly and adds a vibrant color and freshness.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer while whisking to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally.
- → Is there a way to add some spice to the dish?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering the sauce adds a gentle heat without overpowering the flavors.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy tortellini perfectly.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary needs?
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Sautéed mushrooms also add texture and depth.