Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Tortellini: Use fresh or frozen tortellini for this dish. The cheese-filled ones are my favorite! If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, there are great gluten-free pasta options available.

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor to the dish. If you’re out, you could use vegetable oil or another mild oil. However, keep in mind that olive oil enhances the overall taste.

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives a nice crunch. If you don’t have zucchini, try bell peppers or snap peas for a similar texture.

Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes work perfectly here! If not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Just drain them well before adding.

Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but if it’s not available, frozen corn works just as well. I often keep a bag of frozen corn on hand for recipes like this.

Basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and flavor. If you don’t have it, try a teaspoon of dried basil or omit it entirely!

How to Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?

Sautéing veggies brings out their natural flavors and adds a nice texture. The key is to cook them at the right temperature and not to overcrowd the pan. Here’s how to do it:

• Use medium heat to start. This allows the veggies to soften without burning.
• Start with the onions and garlic; they take a bit longer to cook. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
• After adding zucchini and corn, make sure to stir occasionally. This helps them cook evenly and develop some color.
• Add tomatoes last, so they retain some firmness. They just need a couple of minutes to soften.

Time and patience are key here! Taking a little longer to sauté makes all the difference in flavor. Enjoy your cooking!

Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 package (about 9-12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including cooking the tortellini and sautéing the vegetables. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Tortellini:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain them in a colander and set aside.

2. Heat the Skillet:

While your tortellini is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will help to sauté the veggies evenly.

3. Sauté the Onions:

Once the oil is heated, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.

4. Add Garlic:

Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 30 seconds, just until you can smell its lovely aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!

5. Veggies Time:

Now it’s time to add the zucchini slices and corn kernels to the skillet. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and has a nice golden color.

6. Toss in Tomatoes:

Next, toss in the halved grape or cherry tomatoes. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and pop with flavor.

7. Combine with Tortellini:

Now add your drained tortellini to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Gently stir to combine everything so it’s heated through, which should take about 2 minutes.

8. Season:

Don’t forget to season your mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Give it a good mix!

9. Add Fresh Basil:

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. This will add a lovely fresh flavor to your dish!

10. Serve:

Your easy tortellini dish is ready to enjoy! Serve it warm, and if you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra delicious touch.

This colorful, light tortellini recipe is a perfect blend of sweet sautéed vegetables and tender cheese-filled pasta, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion!

Short FAQ for Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables

Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works great! Just cook them according to the package instructions, which may vary slightly from fresh options. You can add them directly to boiling water without thawing.

What Vegetables Can I Substitute?

Absolutely! You can use a variety of vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season. Bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli would be fantastic additions. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure even tenderness.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses cheese tortellini! If you want to keep it fully plant-based, choose a vegan tortellini and skip the Parmesan cheese at the end.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out!