This cheese tortellini skillet is ready in just 15 minutes with fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. This speedy vegetarian meal or side dish is ideal for hectic weeknight dinners!
Some meatless dishes on this site truly shine, and this one is certainly among them. Honestly, I could enjoy this quick meal every single day of the week. Give this cheese tortellini skillet a try! In only 15 minutes, you have a pasta skillet brimming with incredible flavor: the basil-infused marinara sauce pairs beautifully with the soft tangy goat cheese.
I crafted this recipe by converting a reader-favorite baked goat cheese dip into a main dish by incorporating pasta. It’s one of my top tortellini recipes because it’s so quick and effortless while delivering a punch of flavor! (If you’re cooking for a larger group, consider my baked tortellini, which follows a similar concept.)
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why I believe you’ll enjoy this recipe as well:
– It’s scrumptious. The soft goat cheese crumbled into the marinara contributes a tangy richness that gives it the taste of an upscale meal. Add those perfectly boiled cheese tortellini, and each bite is a smooth, delightful treat.
– It’s quick. The entire dish can be prepared in around 15 minutes.
– It serves as either a main dish or a side. I relish it as a pasta main dish alongside a salad, but it also makes a fantastic accompaniment for chicken or fish.
Selecting the Best Cheese Tortellini
There are many high-quality tortellini available today. Tortellini are the classic ring-shaped Italian stuffed pasta, and of course, in Italy, they can be purchased freshly made from local stores. However, if you’re not in Italy (like me!), here’s what to look for:
– Fresh tortelloni is available in the refrigerated section. Tortelloni is larger tortellini with a solid filling (as shown). This is what I typically use for all my tortellini dishes, and it cooks in just 2 to 3 minutes.
– Frozen tortellini can also be a good option. This variety keeps well and can be retrieved at a moment’s notice.
– Avoid dried tortellini. Traditional tortellini is not a dried pasta, and from my experience, all the brands I have tried that are dried simply fall short.
– Seek out any kind of cheese tortellini or tortelloni for this recipe. Whether it’s three cheese, spinach ricotta, or Parmesan: any cheese flavor will be suitable.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes Make the Difference
This delicious cheese tortellini dish is designed by me to achieve two goals: rapid preparation and outstanding taste! It’s like a blend of my renowned baked goat cheese and this goat cheese pasta. It takes advantage of the best flavor combination: a superb tomato sauce made creamy with soft goat cheese.
The secret here is the use of canned fire-roasted tomatoes. This particular type of tomato is becoming increasingly accessible. It’s charred over an open flame, allowing for a wonderfully sweet flavor straight from the can. If you can’t find them, opt for the best quality tomatoes available. Additionally, fresh basil is essential: it imparts key peppery notes reminiscent of Margherita pizza.
Pro Tips for Flawless Tortellini
– Avoid overcooking the pasta. Fresh tortellini cooks exceptionally quickly: typically just 2-3 minutes. Frozen varieties may require 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the brand and size. Set a timer and sample a piece a minute early.
– Allow the sauce to simmer. With fire-roasted tomatoes, the 10 minutes enables the flavors to blend and the basil to work its charm. If you’re using other canned tomatoes, let it simmer for up to 30 minutes to eliminate any bitter taste.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover tortellini can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce over time, but it will still taste great.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a dash of water to loosen the sauce (just a dash, or it may become too watery).
Dietary Notes
This cheese tortellini skillet is vegetarian. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortellini. There are several reputable brands of gluten-free tortellini available nowadays (feel free to share any favorites in the comments).