Are you tired of boring, repetitive lunches that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your midday meal with this mouthwatering Cheese Tortellini recipe that's not just quick and easy, but bursting with fresh flavors! Perfect for busy professionals, students, and anyone craving a gourmet lunch without spending hours in the kitchen, this Italian-inspired dish will revolutionize your lunch game and have you looking forward to your midday break like never before.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the cheese tortellini.
- While the water is heating, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water, then slice them in half. Set aside.
- Next, rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
- Once the water is boiling, add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
- While the tortellini is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the skillet, allowing it to warm up for about a minute.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, carefully drain them in a colander and immediately add them to the skillet with the olive oil.
- Gently toss the tortellini in the olive oil to coat them evenly. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves to the skillet.
- Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are warmed through.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are well-flavored.
- Once everything is heated and seasoned, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the tortellini in bowls, topping each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your easy and delicious tortellini lunch!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's the secret to perfectly seasoned tortellini
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture
- Don't overcook the tortellini; they should be tender but still have a slight bite
- Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer, more authentic taste
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or crispy pancetta
- If you're meal prepping, keep the dressing and cheese separate until serving to prevent soggy spinach
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best burst of freshness
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or oregano for variation
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
