Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of pillowy tortellini, draped in a luxuriously smooth, velvety cream sauce that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. This quick and elegant dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a culinary masterpiece that proves gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: a package of tortellini, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, butter, a clove of garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are al dente.
- While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the cream sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the butter and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Once the cream sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the tortellini are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini in a colander.
- Add the drained tortellini directly to the saucepan with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the tortellini evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the tortellini are well coated in the cream sauce, remove the saucepan from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the tortellini hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy your delicious Tortellini with Cream Sauce!
Tips
- • For the most luxurious sauce, use fresh, high-quality heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. • Don't overcook the tortellini - they should be al dente with a slight bite. • Reserve some pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency. • Mince garlic finely and be careful not to burn it when sautéing. • Use medium heat when making the cream sauce to prevent scorching. • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. • If the sauce is too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 379kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg
