Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Tortellini is a delightful and simple dish featuring fresh cheese tortellini in a rich and buttery garlic cream sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g fresh cheese tortellini
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 0.25 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil cheese tortellini in well-salted water following package instructions. Before draining, reserve 60 ml cooking water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 1 minute until aromatic, ensuring garlic does not brown.
- Pour heavy cream into skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add drained tortellini to the sauce. Toss gently to coat, loosening the sauce as needed with reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, noting the sauce will be thinner.
- If nutmeg is unavailable, use 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth.
- The sauce thickens upon standing. Stir in a splash of milk when reheating.
- For additional protein, fold in sautéed shrimp or chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg