Imagine transporting yourself to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany with just one bite of this mouthwatering tortellini dish! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks like it took hours to prepare. This simple yet elegant recipe transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to unlock the secrets of authentic Italian cooking without spending hours in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini (about 12 oz)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the tortellini is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices. Gently stir to prevent burning.
- Drain the cooked tortellini, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the tortellini directly to the skillet with the tomatoes.
- Toss the tortellini and tomatoes together, using the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish. Gently fold the basil into the tortellini.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Choose high-quality tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini will give the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente is key! Test the tortellini a minute before the package instructions suggest.
- Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If they're out of season, opt for high-quality canned cherry tomatoes.
- Fresh basil makes a huge difference - if possible, use freshly picked basil leaves right before serving.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients stick together.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a small dollop of ricotta when serving.
- This dish is incredibly versatile - try adding some spinach or grilled chicken for extra protein and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
