Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: garlic spinach tortellini! This dish is not only a flavor explosion but also a total breeze to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings. The combination of tender tortellini tossed with sautéed garlic and fresh spinach is just heavenly. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! I adore this recipe for its vegetarian appeal, and it’s packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, you can have it on the table in just about 25 minutes—what’s not to love? I always keep tortellini on hand because, honestly, it’s a lifesaver when I’m craving something comforting yet quick. You’re going to want to add this to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz fresh tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Garlic Spinach Tortellini Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this delightful garlic spinach tortellini! You’ll see, it’s super straightforward and oh-so-satisfying. First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your fresh tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have that perfect bite!
While the tortellini is cooking, grab a skillet and heat up the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned—nobody wants burnt garlic! Then, toss in the chopped spinach and cook it down until it’s wilted, which should take just a couple of minutes. It’s a beautiful sight, watching the spinach transform!
Now, drain the tortellini and add it right into the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Give everything a good toss to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. I like to let it cook for another minute or so to let those flavors meld together. And voilà! Serve it warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. You’re going to love how simple yet delicious this dish is!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat.
- Once boiling, add the 8 oz of fresh tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the tortellini once cooked and add it to the skillet with the garlic and spinach.
- Toss everything together, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
- Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This garlic spinach tortellini comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
- Vegetarian Delight: It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a meatless meal that’s still hearty and filling.
- Nutritious: With fresh spinach and whole ingredients, you’re getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals in every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in other veggies like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Kid-Friendly: The delightful taste and fun tortellini shape make it a hit with kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic spinach tortellini turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, don’t be shy with the garlic—if you love that bold flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two! Also, if you’re a fan of a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully.
When cooking the spinach, be sure not to overcook it; you want it to retain some of that lovely vibrant color and texture. And if you happen to have some leftover vegetables lying around, toss them in! Things like bell peppers or zucchini can add even more flavor and nutrition.
Lastly, remember to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your palate. This dish is all about personal preference, so make it your own and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
As you enjoy this delicious garlic spinach tortellini, it’s good to keep in mind the estimated nutritional data to help you make informed choices. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, 10g of fat, and 12g of protein. You’re also getting about 45g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, which makes it a satisfying meal. Of course, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so feel free to adjust as needed. Enjoy this guilt-free dish while knowing it’s packed with nutrition!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly, just follow the cooking instructions on the package. It’s a great way to save time!
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to jazz up your garlic spinach tortellini, consider adding cherry tomatoes or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness. You could also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic spinach tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While I recommend enjoying it fresh, you can prep the tortellini and sauté the garlic and spinach in advance. Just combine and heat before serving!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Unfortunately, traditional tortellini contains gluten, but you can find gluten-free tortellini options at many grocery stores. Enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover garlic spinach tortellini is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors again soon!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend doing it gently to keep that wonderful texture intact. You can warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help bring it back to life. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave, just cover it loosely to prevent any splattering. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s nice and warm. Enjoy your tasty leftovers just like the first time!
For more information on the health benefits of spinach, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of tortellini, visit this Love and Lemons page.
Print
Garlic Spinach Tortellini in 25 Minutes: Easy & Tasty!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dish featuring tortellini tossed with garlic and spinach.
Ingredients
- 8 oz tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Drain tortellini and add to the skillet.
- Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini.
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference.
- Can add cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: garlic spinach tortellini
