Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini recipe is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Fresh tortellini is cooked to tender perfection and tossed in a rich garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, making it an irresistible meal that serves five in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Tortellini
- 1 - 20 oz package fresh tortellini (or 2 - 9 oz packages)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns a golden color, indicating the raw flour taste has cooked out.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the nonfat milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if desired.
- Season Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Toss Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the sauced tortellini among serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce.
- You can substitute nonfat milk with whole milk for a richer sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little extra milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce can enhance the flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the tortellini and Parmesan cheese are free from animal rennet.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
