Tortellini In Cream Sauce
Creamy tortellini with peas and warm spices offers a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with a rich, savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
- Cook frozen peas until tender.
- In a saucepan, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, butter, a pinch of flour, sugar, and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked peas to the sauce and stir.
- Drain the cooked tortellini and mix with the sauce and peas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade béchamel sauce for a fresher taste. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, use cheese-filled tortellini and skip the ham. Don't forget to season your sauce well with nutmeg, as it pairs beautifully with the cream and adds depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tortellini in cream sauce with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional grated cheese on top. It pairs well with a side of crusty Italian bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, you could also enjoy it alongside a slice of Ciambellono (Italian Pound Cake) for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the tortellini in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of the cream sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini In Cream Sauce contains roughly 425 calories, with 16g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 according to the package instructions, as fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen. This will ensure that the tortellini retains its texture and doesn't become mushy.
What can I substitute for frozen peas?
If you don't have frozen peas, you can use fresh peas or even green beans. Both options will provide a nice pop of color and texture to the dish. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that the cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free. Just check the labels, and you can enjoy this creamy dish without the gluten.
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).