Three Cheese Tortellini
Creamy three cheese tortellini in a rich tomato and garlic sauce with a hint of red wine, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in olive oil and butter until transparent.
- Add chopped garlic; sauté and stir for a few minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add red wine; simmer for a few minutes.
- Add cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, diced herbed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using a mix of milk and cream or swapping in a low-fat option if desired. Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use half the amount of cream cheese or substitute it with ricotta. To save time, pre-chop the onions and garlic ahead of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tortellini with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Easy Italian Linguini or can be complemented by a glass of the same red wine used in the sauce. For added texture, sprinkle with fresh herbs or additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheese Tortellini contains roughly 870 calories, with 13g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2354mg per serving (102% 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 fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used in this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time as fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen. Follow the package instructions for the best results.
What can I substitute for red wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity. This will still add depth to the sauce without the alcohol.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply ensure that the tortellini is cheese-filled and use vegetable broth instead of red wine. This will keep the flavors rich while adhering to vegetarian recipes.
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).