Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (20 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1/2 cup fresh basil; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that combines rich flavors with comforting textures, this Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a luscious tomato cream sauce, brightened by fresh basil and spinach, all coming together in one skillet. It’s quick to make, packed with vibrant colors, and offers a satisfying harmony of creamy and fresh that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something both simple and elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a dark pan, there is a creamy orange sauce base topped with four distinct layers arranged next to each other. On the left side, there is a layer of pale yellow tortellini pasta, showing its folded, smooth texture. Moving to the bottom right, bright red chunks of diced tomatoes sit over the sauce with a slightly juicy appearance. Above the tomatoes, bright green fresh basil leaves are placed, with their smooth, curved texture clearly visible. Next to the basil, there is a small pile of finely grated pale yellow cheese and dried herbs scattered over and around, creating a mixture of textures. At the top right, fresh spinach leaves with a rich green color and slightly wrinkled surface fill the space, completing the colorful, layered composition. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating a balanced plate bursting with flavor and texture. The combination of fresh, creamy, and herbaceous elements makes this dish stand out effortlessly without too many complicated steps or hard-to-find items.

1 (20 ounce) can diced tomatoes: These add a bright and tangy base with lovely chunks of tomato texture.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory depth that wakes up your taste buds.
1/2 cup heavy cream: It creates that silky, dreamy consistency that makes this sauce irresistibly creamy.
2 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds a fresh, earthy note and a burst of vibrant green color.
1/2 cup fresh basil: Basil brings a sweet, peppery freshness that elevates the entire dish.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Parmesan enriches the sauce with a salty, nutty sharpness that ties everything together.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A subtle herbaceous layer that complements the tomato and basil beautifully.
9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, providing cheesy pockets of comfort and great texture.
1/2 cup vegetable broth: Used to adjust sauce consistency and keep those tortellini perfectly tender.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Puree the Tomatoes

The magic begins by blending most of the canned diced tomatoes until smooth. This pureed tomato base forms the luscious, velvety heart of your sauce, giving it that irresistible creamy texture you’ll fall in love with.

Step 2: Simmer the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Next, warm a medium skillet over medium heat and combine the pureed tomatoes with minced garlic and heavy cream. Bring it all to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens slightly, this step coaxing out layers of flavor and creating that silky smooth finish.

Step 3: Add Fresh Greens, Herbs, and Cheese

Turn the heat back up to medium and toss in your fresh spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano. Their vibrant aromas and fresh flavors blend wonderfully, and as the spinach wilts, the sauce’s color becomes even more inviting and appetizing.

Step 4: Incorporate Tortellini and Remaining Tomatoes

Carefully add the refrigerated cheese tortellini along with the reserved diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir gently to combine, ensuring each piece of tortellini gets coated in that beautiful sauce, while the fresh tomatoes add a burst of texture and juiciness.

Step 5: Final Simmer with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and press the tortellini slightly below the surface of the liquid to ensure even cooking. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash more broth or cream until it reaches the perfect consistency. Let everything cook together for 5 to 8 minutes until the tortellini is heated through and infused with all the incredible flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet Recipe

The image shows a close-up of tortellini pasta covered in a creamy orange sauce with visible small chunks of red tomatoes and green spinach leaves scattered throughout. The tortellini are plump and folded, with smooth, slightly shiny surfaces and a pale yellow color. The sauce has a thick texture that coats the pasta well, mixed with bits of grated white cheese on top. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side, stirring or serving the pasta. The dish is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a salty, cheesy kick. For an added touch, toss on some torn fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to enhance the fresh herb notes. A crack of black pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful edge if you like a bit of spice.

Side Dishes

This skillet stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic choice to help scoop up any remaining creamy sauce, turning every bite into a generously satisfying experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon this creamy tomato basil tortellini into individual ramekins or shallow bowls for a restaurant-style presentation. Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant finish that’s bound to impress your dinner guests or make your mealtime feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your skillet, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so your next meal may taste even better!

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container and storing them for up to 1 month. Be aware that the texture of the spinach and cream sauce might change slightly upon thawing, but it will still be delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening up. This helps maintain that silky, creamy texture that makes this recipe so crave-worthy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works as a substitute, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to the skillet to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the cheese tortellini for a vegan version, use a plant-based cream and Parmesan alternative, and replace vegetable broth with a heartier vegetable stock to keep it flavorful.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just choose gluten-free tortellini or a similar gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy swap.

What other herbs can I add?

Fresh thyme or parsley make excellent additions if you want to experiment with different herb flavors alongside basil and oregano.

How do I know when the tortellini is perfectly cooked?

Refrigerated tortellini typically cooks quickly; it’s ready when it’s tender but still holds its shape, usually after 5 to 8 minutes in the sauce. Taste test toward the end to ensure it’s just right.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and utterly delightful about the Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet Recipe. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up fast yet impress with every spoonful. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new weeknight favorite that’s as lovely to make as it is to eat. Dive into this beautiful blend of creamy and fresh—you won’t regret it!