Indulge in a delightful Italian dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 25 minutes! Our "Tortellini with Garlic Chile Oil and Feta" is the perfect weeknight meal that combines the comforting taste of cheese-filled tortellini with the aromatic kick of garlic and the creamy richness of feta cheese. This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes your kitchen smell heavenly! Whether you're cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, preparing for the tortellini.
- While water is heating, prepare the garlic chile oil by combining olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without browning.
- Add tortellini to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente and floating at the surface.
- While tortellini cooks, remove garlic chile oil from heat and let it infuse, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Drain tortellini thoroughly in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Transfer cooked tortellini to a large serving bowl and immediately drizzle with the warm garlic chile oil, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the tortellini, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each serving gets a good distribution of garlic chile oil and feta cheese.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use fresh tortellini and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. If you can find artisanal cheese tortellini, don’t hesitate to grab it!
- Infuse the Oil: Be patient while preparing the garlic chile oil. Heating it gently allows the garlic to infuse the oil without burning, resulting in a more aromatic dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta cooking water! It’s a great way to adjust the consistency of your sauce if it feels too thick.
- Perfectly Cooked Tortellini: Keep an eye on the tortellini as it cooks. Once it floats to the surface, it’s usually a sign that it’s done. Taste a piece to ensure it’s al dente!
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can always start with less and add more for an extra kick!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the freshness of the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, so serve it right after tossing with the garlic chile oil and feta to maximize flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
