This easy tortellini dish is bursting with flavor! With soft pasta filled with cheese and colorful veggies, it makes for a fun and tasty meal in no time.
You can use whatever veggies you have on hand! Personally, I love adding bell peppers and spinach because they make it extra colorful. Plus, who doesn’t love pasta, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is a star in this dish. You can use fresh or frozen. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try gluten-free tortellini or even gnocchi!
Olive Oil: This oil adds flavor and helps sauté the veggies. If you’re out, vegetable or canola oil will work. For extra flavor, try using garlic-infused oil.
Zucchini: While zucchini is delicious here, you can swap it for bell peppers, mushrooms, or even broccoli if you want to mix things up. Use what you have!
Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, but you can substitute them with diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different feel.
How Do I Sauté Veggies Without Losing Flavor?
Sautéing veggies right can make all the difference. You want them tender but still vibrant. Start with a hot skillet and use medium heat to prevent burning. Here’s the key:
- Heat the olive oil first, allowing it to shimmer.
- Add onions first since they need more time to soften, then follow with garlic briefly, just until it becomes fragrant.
- Add heartier veggies, like zucchini and corn, before the softer ones like cherry tomatoes. This way, everything cooks evenly.
Season at different stages to build layers of flavor, and trust your taste buds; adjust as you go!
Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Dish:
- 1 package (about 9-12 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or left whole if small
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the tortellini and another 10-15 minutes sautéing the veggies and mixing everything together. Quick and easy for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until they’re al dente, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them in a colander and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. This will add great flavor to your dish!
3. Add the Remaining Veggies:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and quickly follow with the zucchini slices, corn kernels, and cherry tomatoes. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still bright in color. This step fills your kitchen with aromatic goodness!
4. Combine with Sauce:
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything well to combine. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes to heat the sauce through. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with some salt and pepper!
5. Toss with Tortellini:
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sautéed veggies and sauce. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini is coated nicely with the sauce and veggies. This is where the magic happens!
6. Finish and Serve:
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your vibrant and healthy Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Veggies!
FAQ for Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Veggies
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the zucchini or cherry tomatoes for your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just make sure to cook them adequately to achieve that tender yet slightly crisp texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, use plant-based tortellini and check that your tomato sauce is dairy-free. You can also include more veggies to keep it hearty and satisfying!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it from drying out.
Can I Prep This in Advance?
Certainly! You can cook the tortellini and sauté the veggies a day ahead. Just reheat everything in a skillet with a little extra sauce to ensure it stays moist when you’re ready to serve!
