Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary pasta night into a culinary adventure - a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible tortellini recipe that promises to elevate your dinner game in just 25 minutes! This Italian-inspired Creamy Lemon Spinach Tortellini is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines the richness of Parmesan, the brightness of fresh lemon, and the subtle earthiness of spinach, creating a perfect harmony on your plate.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 package of tortellini, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the creamy lemon sauce. In a large skillet, pour in the heavy cream and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
- Once the cream is warm, add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, letting the acidity of the lemon infuse into the cream.
- Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini in a colander.
- Immediately add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Finally, add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until the spinach wilts and is evenly distributed throughout the tortellini and sauce.
- Once everything is combined and heated through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the creamy lemon spinach tortellini warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh tortellini and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Watch Your Pasta Cooking Time: Al dente tortellini is key - overcooking can make them mushy.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silkier sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- Add Spinach Last: Add spinach just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and fresh texture.
- Temperature Control: Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
- Optional Enhancements: Add red pepper flakes for heat or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 338kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
