Tortellini holds a special place in our hearts, but if it were up to my kids, we’d stick to a simple butter or pasta sauce every time. However, I decided it was time to venture into new territory. While tortellini soup didn’t win them over, I concocted a simple and delightful sauce that exceeded all expectations. I was thrilled to discover how easy and budget-friendly this recipe turned out to be!
To keep things simple and economical, frozen tortellini works perfectly fine! Just be cautious not to overcook it during the boiling process. It only takes a couple of minutes in boiling water before it’s ready to be transferred to the sauce. Overcooking can lead to a soggy dish that is less enjoyable.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Boil the tortellini until al dente, which should take just a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook!
While the tortellini is boiling, roughly chop the fresh basil.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about thirty seconds.
Into the skillet, add the undrained petite diced tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and dried basil.
Cook and stir the mixture over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and half-and-half. Whisk until smooth.
Add the creamy mixture and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Heat through and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Drain the cooked tortellini and gently mix it with the sauce.
Serve and savor!
In less than 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner on the table! The flavors of this homemade sauce surpass any canned pasta sauce, making it a truly delightful experience. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking, such as swapping basil for spinach or adding extra Parmesan for a creamier sauce.
Regardless of your variations, your family is sure to enjoy it, and the minimal time and cost invested will surely bring a smile to your face! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below if you give this recipe a try!
