This Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach is a warm and comforting dish! It’s packed with yummy tortellini, soft sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach all in one pan.
Cooking it is easy—just sauté and stir! I love how the sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness while the spinach makes it feel healthy. Perfect for a cozy meal any day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: I love using cheese tortellini for its creamy texture and rich flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can go for whole wheat or even gluten-free tortellini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add a wonderful sweetness and nutrients. If you can’t find them, try butternut squash or even regular potatoes. They will give a different flavor but still work great in this dish!
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and is nutrient-packed. If you don’t have fresh, frozen spinach is a good substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
Bacon: This ingredient adds smokiness. If you want to keep it vegetarian, skip the bacon and use a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to add that depth of flavor without the meat.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but half-and-half, sour cream, or even a non-dairy milk like cashew or coconut cream could be great alternatives for lower fat or dairy-free options.
How Do I Cook Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Getting sweet potatoes just right is important for this dish. You need them tender and caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it well:
- Dice your sweet potato into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat oil or butter over medium heat before adding the sweet potatoes, which will help them brown nicely.
- Stir them occasionally and let them cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re tender. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit.
- If you like, add onions with the sweet potatoes for extra flavor.
How to Make Skillet Tortellini With Sweet Potato And Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (9-10 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 slices bacon, diced (optional for added flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Skillet Tortellini takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking up the ingredients, and then about 20 minutes simmering everything together. It’s quick, easy, and so tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Bacon (if using):
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. If you’re using bacon, toss in the diced bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep the rendered fat in the skillet for more flavor!
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly browned. If you’re adding diced onion, toss it in with the sweet potatoes to cook together!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Once the sweet potatoes are looking good, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being extra careful not to burn the garlic—it cooks quickly!
4. Prepare the Tortellini:
While you’re cooking the sweet potatoes and garlic, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions in another pot. Once done, drain them and set them aside for later.
5. Add the Spinach:
Now, add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Cook until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. It’ll shrink down quite a bit!
6. Pour in the Cream:
Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring everything together. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens!
7. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooked tortellini and the reserved bacon back into the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything well in that creamy sauce.
8. Add the Cheese and Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix everything well so the flavors mingle!
9. Final Heating:
Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors are melded nicely together. This is the hardest part—waiting for it to be done!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Skillet Tortellini warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful dish!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just cook it directly from frozen according to the package instructions, and then follow the steps as usual. It may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream or half-and-half with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Additionally, use a dairy-free cheese for the Parmesan, or simply omit it for a lighter version.
What Are Some Good Leftover Storage Tips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or more cream to loosen it up if needed.
How Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Feel free to get creative! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just make sure to dice them small and adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything gets tender. Simply add them in with the sweet potatoes.
