3-Ingredient Creamy Tortellini Dinner Recipe

Indulge in the exquisite simplicity of recipe developer Christina Musgrave's 3-ingredient creamy tortellini recipe, where just a few elements magically transform ordinary pasta into a sumptuous, comforting delight. Musgrave notes, "We like to make this on a busy weeknight. It's so simple that it's always a great go-to dinner."

Relying on just three key components, this no-fuss recipe embodies the essence of convenience without sacrificing taste. In under 15 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for when you're tempted to order delivery yet craving a homemade, gourmet experience.

With its velvety, luscious sauce and tender, cheesy tortellini pockets, this dish is a testament to the power of simplicity in the world of culinary creations. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef looking for a quick, flavorful meal, this recipe will effortlessly elevate your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

To make this dish, you can start by gathering your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need cheese-filled tortellini, tomato sauce, and heavy cream. That's it! It could not be easier.

Cook tortellini according to package directions.

Meanwhile, heat tomato sauce in a large pan over medium-low heat.

Drain the cooked tortellini.

Transfer the cooked tortellini to the sauce.

Stir well to combine.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to coat the tortellini.

Serve right away.

While this dish is perfectly suitable to serve on its own, adding a few simple side dishes helps to round out the meal. Per Musgrave, there are several accompaniments that can complement your 3-ingredient creamy tortellini, including homemade garlic bread, which is a classic choice to mop up that delectable sauce. Alternatively, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast. For some additional nutrition, try oven-roasted asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes.

For a bit of protein, serve this dish alongside roasted or grilled chicken breasts. Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp can be sauteed separately and then added to the creamy tortellini just before serving. Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, such as sweet or spicy sausage, can add a flavorful twist to the dish. Grilled or baked salmon, flaked into chunks, can provide a rich and healthy source of protein. Or, crispy bacon or pancetta bits lend a smoky and savory protein element that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

If you love the simplicity of this meal and are looking for ways to reinvent it, we've definitely got some ideas. Instead of using cheese tortellini, feel free to get creative and swap in any of the other varieties offered in stores: chicken, beef, butternut squash, spinach, etcetera. Additionally, instead of simple red sauce, Musgrave notes, "You can use any type of jarred sauce like pesto or vodka sauce." You can even try alfredo sauce or pureed sundried tomato cream sauce for a different twist.

As far as add-ins, the options are endless. This dish lends itself well to easily adding in your greens and vegetables. Musgrave suggests mushrooms or kale, while spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower would also be great vegetables to toss in. If you want to be extra, finish off your creamy tortellini with toppings like crispy fried onions, breadcrumbs, or a drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil.