This tasty dish features soft tortellini paired with colorful sautéed veggies. It’s an easy way to get your greens, and it’s bursting with flavor!
I love how quick it is to make! Just cook the tortellini, toss in those vibrant veggies, and you’ve got a yummy meal in no time. Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Cheese Tortellini: This dish features delicious cheese tortellini, which gives a lovely savory flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free tortellini or even chickpea pasta for great texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for sautéing vegetables as it adds flavor. For a different taste, you could use avocado or grapeseed oil, which have higher smoke points.
Zucchini and Bell Peppers: Both add color and crunch. If you’re out of zucchini, try yellow squash or even broccoli! Instead of bell peppers, any other favorite vegetable like mushrooms or asparagus would work.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness to the dish. If you can’t find fresh ones, canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch, but be sure to drain them well.
Fresh Parsley: This herb adds freshness at the end. If you don’t have parsley, basil or even cilantro can provide a different but flavorful twist.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: While optional, it enhances the dish. You could use Pecorino Romano or even a vegan cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Perfectly Sauté Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables is a key technique for this recipe. It allows them to blend flavors while keeping their crunch. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add harder vegetables first (like zucchini and bell peppers) and allow them to soften. Stir for about 5 minutes.
- Next, throw in softer vegetables (like cherry tomatoes and corn) and the garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant.
Don’t rush it! Cooking on medium heat ensures your veggies don’t burn and keeps their bright colors. Adjust the cooking time based on how soft you like them!
How to Make Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes in total for this recipe. This includes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll be enjoying a tasty dish of tortellini with vibrant sautéed vegetables!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling happily, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. After they are cooked, be sure to drain them well and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced zucchini and bell peppers. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and become a bit tender.
3. Add Additional Ingredients:
Now it’s time to make the dish even more delicious! Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender, and the tomatoes should get a little blistered and juicy.
4. Combine:
Once your vegetables are ready, it’s time to combine them with the tortellini. Gently add the drained tortellini to the skillet and toss everything together. Make sure everything is well-mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste—for that extra flavor!
5. Serve:
Remove your skillet from the heat. Before serving, stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve warm, and if you like, top each bowl with some grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delightful dish of tortellini with sautéed vegetables!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just cook them directly from the freezer in boiling salted water, following the package instructions. They may take an extra minute or two to cook, so check for al dente texture.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables! Broccoli, spinach, or asparagus work great in this dish. Just be mindful of the cooking times; add heartier vegetables earlier to give them enough time to cook through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water if it seems dry. If you want to freeze it, make sure to do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the cheese tortellini with a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese. You might also want to use nutritional yeast as a seasoning for a cheesy flavor.
