Tortellini Especiale
Creamy tortellini with fresh basil, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack cheese, complemented by colorful peppers and aromatic garlic, perfect for a comforting yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, sliced longways ⓘ
- 1 sweet red pepper, chopped in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 stick butter ⓘ
- 1 cup half and half ⓘ
- 3 to 4 Tbsp. fresh basil, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chicken bouillon ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, cut into cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray (Pam).
- Stir-fry the sliced onion, chopped red pepper, and chopped garlic over medium-high heat.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the half and half with a mix of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. Fresh basil can be swapped for dried basil if needed, but reduce the amount to one tablespoon. Adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing process can enhance the flavor. For a protein boost, you can incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp, similar to the Chicken In Tomato Basil Cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tortellini Especiale with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful finish. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian White Bean Soup for a hearty dinner or can be enjoyed as a main course on its own.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to ensure even heating without drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini Especiale contains roughly 219 calories, with 11g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well in this recipe. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding to the skillet. This will ensure they are tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce better.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can use mozzarella or a mild cheddar as a substitute. Both will melt nicely and complement the dish's creaminess, preserving the intended texture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make Tortellini Especiale vegetarian, simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon. Additionally, ensure that the tortellini you choose is free of meat, and consider adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
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).