13 Easy Tortellini Recipes You’ll Love!
I love discovering a kitchen hack that makes it super quick and easy to have a delicious dinner on the table with the least possible amount of fuss, and right now I’m obsessed with trying out different tortellini recipes!
A packet of refrigerated tortellini is available in most grocery stores, and it’s the perfect base for creating satisfying weeknight meals, from creamy and cozy soups to vibrant pasta salads.
Though you can of course make your own from scratch, it’s often a real labor of love, and it’s not necessarily the best idea when you just want to get dinner served fast on those busy evenings!
This collection features simple yet delicious tortellini recipes that are so good for those nights when you just don’t know what to cook, and you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Grab a few packets of tortellini next time you go shopping, and give these a try. They’re family friendly, totally foolproof, and I think you’ll love them!
1. Creamy Tomato Tortellini
This luscious dish features tortellini nestled in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. It’s ridiculously easy to make, yet super satisfying and delicious. This is one of my go-to dishes for such a wide variety of occasions, from a quick midweek meal for the family, to entertaining guests when I want to impress without any fuss. Serve with garlic bread and salad.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until combined. Add tortellini and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
2. Marry Me Tortellini
Legend has it that this creamy, cheesy dish will make your significant other pop the question! I can’t promise you that, but what I do know for sure is that it’s absolutely delicious. This is my spin on the hugely popular, viral dish that everyone’s been talking about lately on TikTok. It’s a real restaurant worthy dish, and everyone I serve it to always asks for the recipe!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini (cheese or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet, turned down low, stirring until it begins to simmer. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it in the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the tortellini among plates, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
3. Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
A creamy, dreamy dish that’s loaded with tender chicken and cheesy goodness. This is a classic that everyone will love! It’s super indulgent and super simple to make.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter and add heavy cream; turn down low and gently simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
- Add cooked chicken and tortellini; stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley.
4. Sausage and Tortellini Soup
This hearty soup combines Italian sausage, veggies, and cheese tortellini for a warming bowl of goodness. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for chilly nights! I also find that it’s super kid-friendly, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies without any unnecessary battles at mealtimes. In my eyes, that’s always a winner.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the sausage, onion, and garlic until sausage is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in tortellini and spinach; cook until tortellini is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
5. Baked Tortellini Lasagna
Layers of cheesy goodness, pasta, and marinara sauce make this baked tortellini dish a fun twist on classic lasagna! It’s easy to make and always a hit at family gatherings. Better still, it’s SO much easier than making a lasagna from scratch. You can use a beef based tortellini if you’re a meat eater – in the past I’ve used pre-packaged beef brisket tortellini and bolognese tortellini with huge success – or if you want a veggie friendly meal, go for a cheese-based variety.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the marinara, half of the tortellini, dollops of ricotta, and half of the mozzarella.
- Repeat layers, finishing with remaining marinara and Parmesan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
Bright, fresh, and colorful, this pasta salad is a refreshing side dish that brings a Mediterranean twist to your table. It’s perfect for potlucks and can be made ahead for busy days! I love tucking into a bowlful of this at lunchtime when I’m working from home. If you want some extra protein, you could added shredded chicken, though it’s seriously good as-is.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced or sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper; pour over salad and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh herbs.
7. Cheesy Baked Tortellini
This indulgent baked dish features tortellini smothered in cheese and marinara, making it a gooey, delicious treat! It’s cheesy, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain.
- In a baking dish, mix tortellini with marinara sauce and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with basil before serving.
8. Chicken Tortellini Soup
A comforting, creamy soup that features tender chicken and cheese-filled tortellini, perfect for a cozy night in! This one’s a real winter warmer, and it’s so good for those evenings when you’re craving comfort food.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine chicken, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in tortellini, cream, and spinach; cook until tortellini is tender and spinach is wilted.
9. Pesto Tortellini
Quick and easy, this dish features cheese tortellini tossed in a fresh basil pesto sauce for a burst of flavor. It’s light, fresh, and a breeze to whip up on busy nights! You can make your own pesto, if you like, but I always have a jar in my pantry so I can easily whip up a quick meal like this one.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain.
- In a bowl, toss tortellini with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan until well coated.
10. Tortellini Carbonara
A delicious twist on traditional carbonara, this dish combines crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and cheese-filled tortellini for a comforting meal. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for pasta lovers!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 egg yolks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy; remove excess fat. Add heavy cream and stir until heated.
- Whisk egg yolks and Parmesan together, then stir into the skillet. Add tortellini, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.
11. Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad
A fresh and vibrant salad featuring tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—perfect for a light meal or side dish. It’s a colorful dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- In a bowl, combine tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper; toss to combine.
12. Spinach and Mushroom Tortellini
This dish combines sautéed mushrooms and spinach with tortellini in a creamy sauce for a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor! It’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a delicious pasta dish, and it’s super quick and easy for busy weeknights.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté mushrooms until tender; add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan; add tortellini and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
13. Cheesy Beef Tortellini
This comforting dish features beef and tortellini in a cheesy, hearty sauce that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and so flavorful!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a skillet, brown ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and combine with the beef mixture. Top with mozzarella and serve warm, garnished with basil.
These 13 Best Tortellini Recipes are perfect for any night of the week, offering a variety of flavors and styles to suit every palate and preference. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bake or a fresh pasta salad, there’s something here that you’ll love. Which one will you be making first? Do leave a comment below and share your thoughts!