This Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Veggies is a colorful and tasty dish. It features cheerful tortellini filled with cheese, paired with fresh, sautéed veggies like peppers and spinach.
It’s a breeze to make, and perfect for busy weeknights. I love how you can switch up the veggies based on what you have. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those greens! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Tortellini: I recommend using fresh tortellini if you can find it, as the flavor is unbeatable. If it’s not available, frozen tortellini also works just fine. For a lighter option, try whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini.
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing, but if you’re out, you can use other oils like avocado or canola oil. Olive oil adds a nice flavor, especially when cooking the onions.
Vegetables: You can really customize this dish! If you don’t have zucchini, try using bell peppers, asparagus, or even broccoli. Fresh veggies make it taste so fresh. I love adding spinach for extra greens!
Tomato Sauce: Marinara adds a nice touch, but any tomato sauce will do. You can even use pesto or a simple garlic and oil mix if you prefer a lighter sauce flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Basil is my favorite garnish here, but parsley works too. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor nicely.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables Without Losing Their Brightness?
Sautéing veggies quickly keeps them bright and crunchy. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear on the vegetables.
- Use enough oil to coat the bottom – about a tablespoon is usually perfect.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them space to cook evenly. If you have a lot, cook in batches.
- Keep the heat at medium to medium-high, so they cook but don’t burn.
- Stir occasionally, but not too often! Let them sit a little for a nice caramelized effect.
These tips will help achieve tasty, colorful veggies that enhance your dish!
Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Tortellini:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- For the Sautéed Veggies:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved if large
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For Flavor:
- 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Usually, this means boiling them in salted water until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. The smell will be lovely!
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Stir in the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender yet still maintains a slight crispness. This keeps the dish vibrant!
5. Add More Veggies:
Stir in the corn kernels and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly. This will add a fresh burst of flavor!
6. Mix in the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara or tomato sauce and stir everything together, ensuring all the veggies are coated. Let it warm through for about 1-2 minutes.
7. Combine with Tortellini:
Add the cooked tortellini back into the skillet, gently tossing everything together so that the tortellini gets well mixed with the veggies and sauce.
8. Season to Taste:
Give it a taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper as needed. Adjust according to your flavor preference.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. Your delightful tortellini dish is now ready to be served!
Enjoy this quick and vibrant tortellini dish full of fresh sautéed veggies!
FAQ for Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Veggies
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this dish. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, taking note that frozen tortellini may need an additional minute or two to cook until al dente.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, asparagus, spinach, or even broccoli would be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times slightly for any tougher veggies, cooking them a bit longer until tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a drizzle of oil to the pan to help restore some moisture.
Can I Make This Vegetarian or Vegan?
This dish is inherently vegetarian since it uses cheese tortellini. For a vegan option, look for plant-based tortellini or skip the cheese altogether. You can also use vegetable broth instead of marinara for added depth of flavor!
