Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a vibrant and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines rich cheese tortellini with fresh summer veggies like zucchini, tomatoes, and corn, all tossed in an herby marinara sauce. It’s a delightful meal that showcases the flavors of summer, making it ideal for family dinners, picnics, or even quick weekday lunches. The bright colors and fresh ingredients make this dish not only tasty but visually appealing as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Featuring seasonal vegetables, this recipe highlights the best of summer produce.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with a salad for a complete meal.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of herbs, garlic, and marinara ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love cheese tortellini, while the veggies add nutrition without compromising taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, gather your tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the tortellini to perfect tenderness.
- 12-inch sauté pan: Provides ample space for cooking vegetables and mixing everything together seamlessly.
- Cutting board & knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of all your fresh ingredients.
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!
For the Tortellini
- 20 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini
For the Veggies
- 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)
For the Sauce
- 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)
- Salt (and freshly ground black pepper)
For Toppings
- 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. Cook the tortellini according to package directions but stop one minute shy of the recommended cook time. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your 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 chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
3. Add corn and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in grape tomatoes; cook for about 3 minutes.
5. Add sliced zucchini and minced garlic; sauté until veggies are tender and many tomatoes burst (about 6-8 minutes).
Step 3: Combine Everything
While sautéing the vegetables:
1. Add the tortellini to your boiling pot of water.
2. Drain the tortellini once cooked while reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
3. Transfer drained tortellini into the pan with veggies along with marinara sauce.
4. Toss gently until everything is combined and heated through (about 1-2 minutes). If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste:
1. Stir in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese along with chopped basil and parsley.
2. Serve immediately topped with remaining parmesan cheese on each plate.
Enjoy your flavorful Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies!
How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not only about the dish itself but also about how you present it. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal and impress your guests.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of tortellini.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing balance with the cheese-filled pasta.
Add a Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken adds a hearty touch while keeping the dish light.
- Shrimp Scampi: Lightly sautéed shrimp in garlic butter enhances the Italian theme beautifully.
Garnish Creatively
- Extra Parmesan: Sprinkling additional parmesan on top before serving gives an extra cheesy flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley brightens up the presentation and taste.
Offer Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Focaccia: Soft, herbed focaccia adds a delightful texture and taste alongside the tortellini.
How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Creating the best Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies involves simple techniques that enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.
- Use fresh vegetables: Opt for seasonal veggies like zucchini and tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini: Cook them just shy of package instructions to keep them al dente.
- Reserve pasta water: Save some pasta water; it helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go; add salt and pepper gradually to achieve your preferred flavor.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Tossing in herbs at the end preserves their vibrant flavors and colors.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve right after cooking to enjoy that fresh taste.
Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Complementing your main dish with suitable side options can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some excellent side dishes that pair well with Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in creamy Caesar dressing offers a crunchy contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and additional nutrients to your meal.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil provides a flavorful appetizer option.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies makes for a delightful starter.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds elegance to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be fun, but there are some common pitfalls when making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies. Avoid these mistakes for a delightful dish!
- Timing Issues: Cooking the tortellini for too long can make them mushy. Always check the package instructions and cook them a minute shy of the recommended time.
- Skipping Prep Steps: Not prepping vegetables before cooking can lead to unevenly cooked veggies. Chop and measure ingredients ahead of time for a smoother cooking process.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Overcooking Veggies: Sautéing vegetables too long can result in mushiness. Cook until they’re just tender for a better texture.
- Mixing Incorrectly: Adding tortellini directly into the sauce without proper mixing can lead to uneven distribution of flavors. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers 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 2-3 months.
Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil as needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies.
Can I use frozen cheese tortellini?
Yes, frozen cheese tortellini works well! Just cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the veggie mixture.
How do I customize this Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite summer vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also swap marinara sauce for pesto for a different flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.
What other sauces work well with this recipe?
Besides marinara, you can try Alfredo sauce or even a light olive oil dressing for a different taste experience.
Final Thoughts
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Customize it with your favorite seasonal veggies or sauces. Enjoy this delightful dish today!
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful, vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This quick recipe features rich cheese-filled tortellini paired with an array of fresh, seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, all enveloped in an aromatic herby marinara sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor and nutrition. With its bright colors and comforting taste, Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies makes for a perfect meal that everyone will love.
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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook tortellini according to package instructions minus one minute.
- In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add corn and cook for another 2 minutes, then stir in tomatoes for about 3 minutes.
- Add zucchini and garlic; sauté until veggies are tender (6-8 minutes).
- Drain tortellini (reserve some pasta water) and add to the sauté pan with marinara sauce. Toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper; finish with parmesan cheese, basil, and parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
