Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
An easy and delicious dish, Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is perfect for warm days. This recipe combines rich cheese tortellini with fresh, vibrant vegetables like zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, all enveloped in a flavorful herby marinara sauce. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a family dinner, this meal shines as a delightful option that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Featuring summer veggies, it highlights seasonal produce for optimal flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, it complements various meals effortlessly.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is meatless while still being hearty and satisfying.
- Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the comforting taste of cheese tortellini.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, having the right tools can simplify your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the tortellini evenly without crowding.
- Sauté pan or deep skillet: Provides ample space to cook vegetables while allowing flavors to meld together.
- Cutting board: Ensures safe chopping of veggies before cooking.
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 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)
For the Sauce
- 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)
- Salt (and freshly ground black pepper)
For Garnish
- 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: Prepare the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini one minute shy of the package directions. While waiting for the water to boil, you can 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 soft.
3. Add corn kernels and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in grape tomatoes; sauté for another 3 minutes.
5. Finally, add sliced zucchini and minced garlic; cook until veggies are tender and some tomatoes burst—about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Tortellini and Sauce with Vegetables
While cooking veggies:
1. Add your tortellini to the boiling water.
2. Drain the cooked tortellini while reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
3. Transfer drained tortellini along with marinara sauce into the pan with vegetables.
4. Toss everything together until mixed well—cook for about 1 to 2 minutes.
5. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out the mixture.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste:
1. Toss in half of the parmesan cheese along with chopped basil and parsley.
2. Serve immediately, garnishing each plate with remaining parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy this delightful Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies as your new go-to summer dish!
How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful way to enjoy a fresh and vibrant meal. This dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the tortellini.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze bring out the Italian flavors beautifully.
Add Some Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast can add heartiness while keeping the meal balanced.
- Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers offer a seafood twist that pairs excellently with the dish.
Serve with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter can be perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce.
- Focaccia: Soft and fluffy focaccia can serve as a delicious side that enhances the Italian theme.
Finish with a Beverage
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc elevates the dining experience.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, refreshing sparkling water with lemon adds zest to your meal.
How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
To make your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Boldly Season Your Vegetables: Proper seasoning during sautéing enhances the natural flavors of your veggies.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to elevate the taste of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Cook tortellini just until al dente for the best texture and bite.
- Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to try different marinara sauces or even pesto for a unique twist.
- Add Extra Veggies: Incorporating bell peppers or spinach can boost nutrition and flavor diversity.
- Garnish Generously: Topping your dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley will brighten up its presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Pairing side dishes with Cheese Tortellini can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus roasted in garlic oil makes for a simple yet elegant side.
- Lemon Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in lemon juice adds freshness and fits the summer theme.
- Mixed Grain Salad: A salad made from quinoa or farro mixed with seasonal vegetables provides heartiness without overpowering the main dish.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter enhances summer vibes while complementing your tortellini perfectly.
- Bruschetta: Crispy toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers an appetizer that ties into Italian cuisine beautifully.
- Roasted Bell Peppers: Colorful roasted bell peppers add both visual appeal and sweetness to balance the savory flavors of tortellini.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your dish. Here are some to watch out for:
-
Timing: Overcooking the tortellini can make them mushy. Always cook them a minute shy of the package instructions to keep them al dente.
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Vegetable Prep: Not prepping your vegetables ahead of time can slow down the cooking process. Have everything chopped and ready before you start cooking.
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Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to blandness. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
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Ignoring Pasta Water: Discarding all the pasta water can be a mistake. Reserve some to help thin out the sauce, ensuring a better texture.
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Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many veggies at once can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary for optimal flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use within 3–5 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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies:
Can I use frozen cheese tortellini?
Yes, frozen cheese tortellini works well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed according to package instructions.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the vegetables and cook them ahead. Combine everything right before serving for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not just quick and easy; it’s also fresh and flavorful. This dish allows for plenty of customization, so feel free to include your favorite summer vegetables. Try it today for a delightful meal that captures the essence of summer!
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful summer dish that brings together the rich flavors of three-cheese tortellini and an array of fresh seasonal vegetables. This easy recipe features sautéed zucchini, sweet corn, and juicy grape tomatoes, all tossed in a herby marinara sauce that enhances each ingredient’s natural taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or summer gatherings, this vegetarian pasta dish is quick to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike. With its vibrant colors and comforting flavors, it’s a meal that captures the essence of summer on a plate.
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
- Fresh basil and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions but one minute less.
- In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until soft, then add corn and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in grape tomatoes; cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add zucchini and garlic; sauté until tender (about 6-8 minutes).
- Drain the tortellini, reserving some pasta water. Combine tortellini with sautéed veggies and marinara sauce in the pan; toss well and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parmesan cheese, basil, and parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
