Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked tortellini, draped in a vibrant, fresh tomato sauce that bursts with Italian flavors. This Tortellini Pomodoro recipe isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary shortcut to transforming your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a meal that looks like it came straight from a charming Italian trattoria, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz tortellini
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of tortellini, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they are al dente.
- While the tortellini is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini and add it directly to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic.
- Gently toss the tortellini in the skillet, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the garlic and tomatoes. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Tortellini Pomodoro warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your easy and delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means each ingredient matters. Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Tortellini: Follow the package instructions and aim for al dente – the pasta should have a slight bite to it.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the tortellini.
- Fresh Basil is Key: Add basil at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and personalization.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
