This easy tortellini recipe is a quick treat! We cook plump tortellini and mix it with colorful sautéed veggies for a tasty meal everyone will love.
You can use any veggies you have on hand. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that cooks in just a few minutes? I whip this up when I need dinner fast, and it’s always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini is perfect for this recipe. If you want a lighter option, try whole wheat or veggie tortellini. Frozen tortellini works too; just cook it a bit longer.
Vegetables: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn are great choices. You can swap in bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli if you like. No tomatoes? Use diced canned tomatoes instead!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor, but you can use any cooking oil like canola or avocado oil. For a richer taste, try using butter instead.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning is a great mix, but if you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, use those for a fresher flavor. You could also skip it altogether for a simpler taste.
How Can You Perfectly Sauté Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables brings out their natural flavors. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with medium heat to get the oil hot but not smoking. This helps cook the onions and garlic without burning.
- Add the onions first, cooking until they’re soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Next, add garlic for just 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly, so watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Add your hearty vegetables like zucchini next, cooking 5-7 minutes until they’re tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan to help them brown nicely.
- Lastly, mix in softer veggies like tomatoes and corn, allowing them to cook until they’re soft and juicy.
With these tips, your sautéed veggies will be colorful and flavorful, perfectly complementing the tortellini!
Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes of cooking time. So, you can have this colorful and flavorful dish ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, carefully add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes. When they are done, drain them in a colander and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until you can smell the garlic’s delicious aroma.
3. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to become tender and the tomatoes to start softening. This is where the magic happens!
4. Season the Mix:
Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the sautéed vegetables and add salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors.
5. Combine with Tortellini:
Finally, add the cooked tortellini back into the skillet. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the tortellini are evenly coated in the veggie mix and heated through for about 1-2 minutes.
6. Final Touch:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. This adds a wonderful burst of flavor!
7. Serve:
Serve your delicious tortellini warm, and if you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Enjoy this colorful and easy tortellini dish full of fresh veggie goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works great in this recipe. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time until they are floating and tender. Drain them before adding to the sautéed vegetables.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can use any vegetables you have on hand! Bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, or asparagus are all excellent choices. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary for different vegetables.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of olive oil or a little water to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the cheese tortellini with a vegan-friendly version and skip the Parmesan cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired.
