Description
Creamy Lemon Tortellini is a vibrant and comforting pasta dish that balances bright lemon flavor with a silky cream sauce. It features tender cheese-filled tortellini, fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 large fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Protein add-ins: grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon (amount as desired)
- Vegetables: steamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes or chili oil, for a spicy kick
- Herb variations: dill, thyme, or tarragon
- Dairy-free alternative: coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain the tortellini, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Add the fresh lemon juice and zest and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the lemon cream sauce. Gently toss to coat all the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss once more to combine well.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Optionally, add protein, vegetables, or a spicy kick based on your preference.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Creamy Lemon Tortellini, Pasta, Italian, Comfort Food