Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked tortellini, draped in a luscious, aromatic basil cream sauce that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. This isn't just another pasta recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this Tortellini with Basil Cream Sauce will elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 package of cheese tortellini, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of fresh basil (chopped), 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), salt, and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and float to the surface.
- While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the basil cream sauce. In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of heavy cream and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
- Once the cream is warmed, add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the cream. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
- After the garlic has cooked, stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the tortellini are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini in a colander.
- Transfer the drained tortellini back into the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the basil cream sauce over the tortellini and gently toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve the tortellini in bowls, garnished with additional chopped basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Tortellini with Basil Cream Sauce!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned tortellini.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every pasta bite.
- Use fresh basil if possible; it makes a world of difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Keep your heat low when making the cream sauce to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce before adding the basil and Parmesan.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture—cream-based sauces tend to separate if left standing too long.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 311kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 88mg
