Description
This Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies recipe is a quick and easy meal that celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer. Featuring pillowy cheese-filled tortellini paired with fresh, colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow bell pepper, this dish perfectly balances creamy and crisp textures. Seasoned with garlic, fresh basil, and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, it’s a versatile and comforting meal ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 12 oz fresh or store-bought cheese tortellini
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, about ¼ cup loosely packed
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 3 to 5 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender. Drain carefully and set aside, reserving about ¼ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are tender yet still vibrant.
- Combine Tortellini and Veggies: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the vegetables. If the mixture seems dry, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Toss gently to combine and coat the tortellini with the warm vegetable mixture.
- Finish and Season: Turn off the heat and fold in fresh basil leaves. Season the dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. For added richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; keep them slightly crisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and add moisture.
- Use fresh herbs like basil for the most aromatic dish; parsley or oregano work well as substitutes.
- Choose fresh or high-quality frozen tortellini for superior taste.
- Adjust seasoning carefully and consider adding lemon juice to balance flavors if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg