This colorful skillet dish features delicious tortellini tossed with sweet potato and fresh spinach. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Honestly, I love how this meal looks on my plate. The sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness, and who can resist cheesy tortellini? Perfect for a cozy dinner night! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: This adds a hint of sweetness and a lovely texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can work well as substitutes.
Tortellini: I love using cheese tortellini for its rich flavor. However, you can swap it for other types of pasta or even gluten-free tortellini if needed.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice pop of color and nutrition. You can also use kale or Swiss chard as alternatives, though they may need a bit longer to wilt down.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk. This will change the richness slightly, but it still works great!
Parmesan Cheese: While it’s optional, it adds a wonderful salty kick. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a tasty alternative to consider.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Tender?
Cooking sweet potatoes until they’re tender can be tricky. Here’s a simple way to ensure that they cook evenly:
- Start by cutting the sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes. This ensures they’ll cook at the same rate.
- Sauté them in olive oil or butter over medium heat first, stirring occasionally. This helps them get a bit of color and flavor.
- Cover the skillet after adding broth to steam the potatoes. This will cook them through and keep them moist. Aim for about 4-5 minutes.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly tender sweet potatoes to complement the rest of your dish!
Delicious Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. With just a few minutes of prep for chopping and dicing, and then cooking everything in one skillet, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to melt and warm up before adding any ingredients, creating a lovely base for flavor.
2. Sauté the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the diced sweet potato to the skillet. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become tender and slightly golden. This step brings out their natural sweetness!
3. Add the Garlic:
Once the sweet potatoes are starting to soften, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute, stirring until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
4. Steam the Sweet Potatoes:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the sweet potatoes steam for another 4-5 minutes until they are fully tender. This helps them cook through while keeping them moist.
5. Mix in the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. The tortellini will cook quickly, usually within a couple of minutes.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half over the mixture. Stir gently to combine everything, heating it until the sauce is warm and creamy.
7. Add the Spinach:
Toss in the fresh spinach leaves, stirring constantly. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are wilted and vibrant. They will blend beautifully into the dish!
8. Season to Taste:
Now, it’s time to season! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, the broth and Parmesan (if using) will also add saltiness, so season lightly at first.
9. Finish with Parmesan (optional):
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet now and stir to combine. It adds a wonderful cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tortellini!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, top your skillet meal with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a delightful touch. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can! Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the frozen tortellini is heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to help steam them properly.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, use dairy-free tortellini, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like almond or coconut milk, and omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also replace butter with olive oil!
What Should I Do If My Sweet Potatoes Aren’t Cooking Fast Enough?
If you find that the sweet potatoes are taking longer to cook, you can slice them thinner or into smaller cubes. Alternatively, consider covering the skillet longer to retain steam and moisture, which helps them cook more quickly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the dish creamy and prevent it from drying out.
