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You need a few key ingredients to make this dish. Here they are: - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving You may have some of these items already in your pantry. Check for: - Olive oil - Dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper - Red pepper flakes These staples help build a rich flavor in your dish. Want to kick it up a notch? Try adding: - Extra minced garlic for a bolder taste - Sautéed spinach or kale for added nutrition - Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist Feel free to mix and match these extras! They can make your creamy tortellini even more delicious. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 small diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to be translucent and fragrant. After that, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Sauté it for 1 more minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen. Next, pour in 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir the mixture well. Let it come to a gentle simmer. This step builds the base flavor for your dish. Once the mixture is simmering, add 12 oz of cheese tortellini. You can use fresh or frozen. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. If you like some heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir gently to ensure even cooking. You want the tortellini to be tender and cooked through. When the tortellini is done, lower the heat to a gentle setting. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. This makes the dish creamy and rich. Let it heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it warmed through but not boiling. Now, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Mix everything together. The basil adds fresh flavor and a vibrant touch. Turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken slightly. To serve, ladle the creamy tortellini into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini! To get a rich, creamy texture, use heavy cream. It gives the best mouthfeel. If you prefer, you can mix in some cream cheese. This will add extra creaminess. Stir the cream in slowly. This helps it blend well into the sauce. For better flavor, add fresh herbs. Fresh basil is great, but you can also try parsley. Dried herbs, like oregano or thyme, work well too. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. If you like spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Just a little will do! Follow the cooking time on the tortellini package. It usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir them gently while they cook. This keeps them from sticking together. Test one before draining to ensure it’s tender. If you want more bite, cook them a minute less. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just skip any meat and focus on plant-based flavors. Use vegetable broth as your base. The cheese tortellini adds creaminess. Fresh basil gives it a bright flavor. You can also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. They cook quickly and blend well with the sauce. If you want to add protein, chicken or sausage works great. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces. Cook them in the pot before adding the onion. This adds flavor to your dish. If you prefer sausage, slice it and add it with the onion. Both options make the meal heartier. Just ensure the meat is cooked through before adding the tortellini. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or corn. Just make sure to check the cooking time. You might need to adjust the simmering time to avoid overcooking. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the creamy goodness! To store your creamy tomato basil tortellini, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. When ready to eat your leftovers, reheat gently. Place the tortellini in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can add a splash of water or broth to help it warm evenly. Heat until it is hot but not boiling. This keeps the creamy texture nice. If you want to freeze the tortellini, do it after it has cooled. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove as mentioned above. Enjoy a quick meal anytime! Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it directly to the pot. Frozen tortellini cooks well. It may take a minute or two longer than fresh. Follow the package directions for best results. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. For a thicker texture, blend silken tofu with a bit of water. Each option brings a unique flavor. To add heat, include more red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice to your liking, but start small. Taste as you go for the best flavor. Fresh basil adds great flavor and aroma, but it is not required. Dried basil will work in a pinch. If you use dried, add less since it’s stronger. Fresh herbs always brighten up any dish! This guide covered everything you need for a tasty one-pot creamy tomato basil tortellini. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and clever tips for the best results. I shared ways to adapt the dish to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Remember, cooking is about finding joy in every bite. Enjoy your meal and share it with others!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

Indulge in the comforting flavors of One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini! This easy recipe combines cheese tortellini with rich cream, fresh basil, and zesty tomatoes for a delightful meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a crowd-pleaser everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

    Next, incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and sauté for an additional minute until the garlic releases its aroma.

      Pour in the undrained canned diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Stir the mixture well and allow it to come to a gentle simmer.

        Once the mixture is simmering, add the cheese tortellini, dried Italian herbs, and the optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Cook according to the package instructions, which will typically take about 5 to 7 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.

          Lower the heat to a gentle setting, then gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to ensure it is well incorporated. Let the mixture heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until warmed.

            Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and then fold in the chopped fresh basil. Mix thoroughly to meld all the delightful flavors together.

              Turn off the heat and allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes; this will help it thicken slightly.

                To serve, ladle the creamy tortellini into bowls while it's still hot. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired for a burst of flavor and color.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4