Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

An easy tortellini recipe! Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful dish that brings together rich cheese tortellini and vibrant summer vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is bursting with flavor and color. The combination of sautéed zucchini, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, and a herby marinara sauce makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing seasonal veggies ensures every bite is packed with flavor and nutrients.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it’s adaptable to any meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love cheese tortellini, and the colorful veggies make it appealing to all ages.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch for leftovers or pack it for lunch the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This is crucial for boiling the tortellini until perfectly tender.
• 12-inch sauté pan: A spacious pan allows you to sauté veggies evenly without crowding.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for safely chopping vegetables to the right size.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 20 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini
– 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 zucchini, sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick (12 oz total)
– 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp)
– 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 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. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions but stop one minute short of the recommended time. While waiting for the water to boil, prep your vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
* Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
* Next, stir in the corn and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
* Add the grape tomatoes and continue sautéing for another 3 minutes.
* Finally, mix in the zucchini and minced garlic. Cook until veggies are tender and many tomatoes have burst—this should take about 6 to 8 more minutes.

Step 3: Combine Tortellini and Sauce

Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it while reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
* Transfer the drained tortellini to the pan with sautéed veggies.
* Pour in the marinara sauce and toss gently until everything is well combined. Cook for an additional minute or two. If necessary, add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese along with fresh basil and parsley.
Serve immediately, topping each portion with the remaining parmesan cheese.

With these steps completed, you now have a delicious plate of Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies can be a delightful experience. This dish is not only vibrant and colorful but also versatile for various dining occasions.

Family Dinner

• A comforting option for family gatherings, serve the tortellini in large bowls, allowing everyone to help themselves while enjoying quality time together.

Picnic Delight

• Perfect for outdoor meals, pack individual portions in containers. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing summer meal under the sun.

Lunch Boxes

• A great choice for meal prep, divide the tortellini into lunch boxes for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Pair with a side of fruit for balance.

Potluck Pick

• Bring this dish to potlucks or gatherings. It’s sure to impress guests with its fresh ingredients and hearty flavors.

Romantic Dinner

• For a romantic evening, plate the tortellini elegantly and garnish with extra basil and parmesan. Pair it with a light white wine for a perfect touch.

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How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

To elevate your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables when possible. They enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to bring out the flavors of the veggies and cheese.

• Add Protein: If desired, include grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more filling while still keeping it light and fresh.

• Experiment with Sauces: While marinara is a classic choice, try pesto or alfredo sauce for different flavor profiles.

• Garnish Creatively: Finish off your dish with toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes for added texture and flavor.

• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve this dish right after cooking to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Pairing side dishes with Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread complements the marinara sauce beautifully; it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil tossed in balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast to the warm pasta dish.

3. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the creamy cheese tortellini.

4. Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens dressed lightly in vinaigrette adds freshness without overwhelming flavors.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like bell peppers and carrots bring out sweet flavors that work nicely alongside the tortellini.

6. Zucchini Chips: Crispy zucchini chips make an excellent crunchy side that complements the softness of tortellini.

7. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad introduces sweetness; consider using seasonal fruits like peaches and berries for a summery touch.

8. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those who want extra comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes add richness that balances the entire meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the dish’s final outcome.

• Overcooking the Tortellini: Cooking the tortellini longer than necessary can lead to a mushy texture. Always follow the package instructions and aim to cook them just a minute shy of the recommended time.

• Not Prepping Ingredients First: Failing to prepare all your veggies and ingredients in advance can slow down your cooking process. Take time to chop vegetables and measure out ingredients before you start cooking.

• Using Low-Quality Marinara Sauce: A flavorful marinara sauce is key for this dish. Choose a high-quality sauce or make your own for better taste.

• Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can leave your dish bland. Be sure to season at each step, especially after adding the marinara sauce.

• Not Adding Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavor of Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies. Don’t skip these ingredients; they add freshness and color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tortellini in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

• Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tortellini in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.

• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.

• Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, add a splash of water or olive oil, then stir in the tortellini until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies:

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works great! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How can I customize my Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies?

Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and variety.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe is meat-free and packed with fresh veggies, making it perfect for vegetarians.

What type of cheese works best?

While parmesan is traditional, you can also use pecorino Romano or even feta for different flavors.

Can I make this dish vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute cheese tortellini with a plant-based alternative and omit cheese altogether or use nutritional yeast as a topping.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not only an easy summer meal but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Give this delightful dish a try, and enjoy its fresh flavors!