Description
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini coated in a luscious, silky roasted red pepper sauce with smoky sweetness. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this vibrant and flavorful recipe combines bold flavors, creamy texture, and beautiful presentation to delight the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or pre-made)
Sauce
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, then add roasted red peppers. Cook for a few minutes, then transfer the mixture to a blender. Add heavy cream and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Return the sauce to the skillet and warm gently. Add the cooked tortellini, stirring to coat them evenly. If the sauce is too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, colorful touch just before serving.
Notes
- Use quality roasted peppers for the best flavor, either homemade or premium jarred.
- Do not overcook tortellini to avoid mushy texture after mixing with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help achieve a silky sauce consistency.
- Blend the sauce thoroughly for an ultra-smooth texture without bits.
- Add Parmesan at the end for additional creaminess and balanced saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg