Kerri'S Pink Tortellini
Creamy pink tortellini with fresh basil and Parmesan offers a rich, comforting flavor perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suited for cheese and pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a blender, puree the drained and seeded Italian tomatoes until smooth.
- Add the pureed tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Whisk in the heavy or whipped cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to package directions.
- Transfer cooked tortellini to a warm serving bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the tortellini and toss well.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your sauce, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or substituting dried basil for fresh if you don't have any on hand. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you're short on time, pre-made tortellini can save you some effort without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Kerri's Pink Tortellini pairs beautifully with Italian Grilled Sirloin Steak for a hearty meal. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a light dish like Summer Zucchini In Italian Beer Batter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the tortellini and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kerri'S Pink Tortellini contains roughly 891 calories, with 23g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1068mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions, and it will blend seamlessly with the sauce. The cooking time may vary slightly compared to fresh tortellini, so keep an eye on it.
What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This dish is nearly vegetarian as is, simply ensure you use vegetarian tortellini. You can also enhance it with additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms sautéed with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).