Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is the ideal dish for sunny days when you crave something light yet satisfying. This easy tortellini recipe combines rich cheese-filled pasta with fresh, vibrant vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and corn. Coated in a delightful herby marinara sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this dish captures the essence of summer dining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing seasonal veggies makes this dish colorful and nutritious.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or as a side dish at parties and gatherings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love tortellini! This recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
- Vegetarian Delight: A great option for meatless meals without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies successfully, you need the right tools in your kitchen. Having these essential items on hand will make your cooking experience more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the tortellini to perfection without overcrowding.
- 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet: Provides ample space for sautéing veggies evenly.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
An easy tortellini recipe! Made with rich cheese tortellini, fresh sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and onion, and it’s all coated in an herby marinara sauce. Quite easily a perfect summer dish!
Pasta
- 20 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini
Vegetables
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped (1 1/2 cups))
- 2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs (about 2 cups))
- 2 cups (12 oz) grape tomatoes
- 2 medium (12 oz total) zucchini (sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced (1 Tbsp))
Sauce
- 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)
- Salt (and freshly ground black pepper)
Cheese and Herbs
- 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Step 1: Boil the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil to cook tortellini. Cook the tortellini one minute shy of the cook time according to package directions. While waiting for the water to boil, prep and cook the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet:
1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
3. Add corn and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and sauté for another 3 minutes.
5. Include zucchini and garlic; sauté until veggies are tender and many tomatoes have burst (about 6-8 minutes). During this step, add the tortellini to the boiling water so they finish cooking at the same time.
Step 3: Combine Everything Together
Drain the tortellini while reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Transfer the drained tortellini and marinara sauce into the pan with veggies. Cook and toss until everything is heated through (about 1-2 minutes). If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in 1/4 cup parmesan, along with basil and parsley before serving immediately topped with remaining parmesan.
This Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not just delicious but also embodies summer’s vibrant flavors! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful experience, perfect for warm evenings. This dish is not only vibrant in color but also packed with flavors that highlight the freshness of summer produce.
Fresh Garnishes
- Basil and Parsley: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil and parsley on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh parmesan cheese on each serving for a rich, savory finish.
Accompanying Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Serve sliced grilled chicken on top or on the side for those who want extra protein.
- Shrimp: Grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with the tortellini, adding a seafood twist.
Light Salads
- Caprese Salad: A fresh caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil complements the dish perfectly.
- Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette can balance the richness of the tortellini.
Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: A sliced crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the herby marinara sauce.
How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
To make your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies even better, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavors and improve the overall presentation of your dish.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the tortellini just until al dente to maintain their texture when mixed with veggies.
- Add More Herbs: Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or thyme for an enhanced aromatic profile.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water handy to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve this dish right after cooking.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to swap in other summer veggies such as bell peppers or eggplant based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Pairing side dishes with Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies can elevate your meal further. Here are some delicious options that complement this vibrant dish well.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus drizzled with garlic olive oil adds a tasty crunch and balances flavors.
- Simple Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crispness and a creamy dressing that contrasts nicely with the tortellini.
- Grilled Vegetable Platter: A colorful platter of grilled vegetables provides an additional layer of summer flavors to your meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Herb-roasted potatoes make a hearty side that pairs well with lighter pasta dishes.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a quintessential summer side that complements this Italian dish perfectly.
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad: A refreshing couscous salad loaded with cucumbers, olives, and feta enhances your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious dish.
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Cooking tortellini too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions carefully and taste them a minute before they’re done.
- Not Prepping Ingredients in Advance: Failing to have all veggies chopped and ready can lead to uneven cooking. Always prep your vegetables before starting to cook.
- Using Low-Quality Marinara Sauce: A mediocre sauce can ruin your dish. Opt for a high-quality marinara or make your own for the best flavor.
- Skipping Seasoning: Underseasoning can result in bland food. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper during cooking for enhanced taste.
- Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness and flavor. Always include basil and parsley as they elevate the dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat; stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just increase the cooking time according to package directions.
What vegetables work well in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus are great additions alongside zucchini and corn.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute cheese tortellini with a plant-based variety and omit parmesan cheese.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful dish perfect for warm days. Its fresh flavors and easy preparation make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. You can customize it by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or adjusting the herbs. Enjoy this recipe as is or make it your own!
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, a perfect dish to savor during sunny days. This vibrant recipe combines tender, cheese-filled tortellini with an array of fresh summer vegetables like zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, all enveloped in a fragrant herby marinara sauce. It’s not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also versatile enough for family dinners, potlucks, or as a light weeknight meal. Bursting with flavor and nutrition, this dish beautifully captures the essence of summer dining.
Ingredients
- 20 oz refrigerated three cheese tortellini
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 2 medium zucchini (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil and parsley
Instructions
- 1. Boil the tortellini in lightly salted water until one minute shy of package instructions.
- 2. In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add onion, cooking until softened.
- 3. Stir in corn, tomatoes, zucchini, and garlic; sauté until tender.
- 4. Drain tortellini (reserving some pasta water) and add to the pan with marinara sauce. Toss to combine.
- 5. Season with salt and pepper; serve topped with parmesan and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
