This vibrant tortellini dish brings together tasty pasta and colorful veggies, making it both delicious and healthy. It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week!
Trust me, the mix of sautéed peppers, zucchini, and spinach makes every bite feel fresh. I love to sprinkle a bit of cheese on top to make it extra special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here! If you’re looking for variety, try spinach or mushroom tortellini for a twist. Gluten-free tortellini is also available if needed.
Vegetables: Zucchini and bell pepper add color and nutrition. You can swap them for other veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus based on your preferences or what’s in season.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness enhances the dish. If you can’t find them, diced canned tomatoes work fine, or you can use grape tomatoes which are similar.
Corn: Fresh corn brings a sweet crunch. If it’s not in season, frozen corn is a great alternative. Just make sure it’s thawed before cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a salty finish. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are nice substitutes. For a dairy-free option, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Get the Vegetables Just Right?
Getting the right texture for your veggies is important for a balanced dish. You want them to be tender yet crisp. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil for just 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Add zucchini and bell peppers first since they take longer to cook. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re beginning to soften but still have some bite.
- Only add softer vegetables like tomatoes and corn in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting mushy. This way, you preserve their freshness and flavor!
How to Make Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh corn (or frozen corn, thawed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the tortellini and another 10 minutes sautéing the vegetables. Simple and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. When they are tender, drain the tortellini in a colander and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—this adds a lovely flavor to the dish!
3. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced zucchini and bell pepper. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re tender yet still have a little crunch.
4. Incorporate the Tomatoes and Corn:
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and corn, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Yum! Your kitchen will smell wonderful at this point.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet and gently toss everything to combine. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a bright flavor boost. This will make your dish pop!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tortellini warm, with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if you’d like. Enjoy your creation!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the frozen tortellini according to the package instructions before adding it to the sautéed vegetables. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly, so feel free to taste for doneness!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely customize this recipe! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, asparagus, or even broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time according to how long each vegetable takes to become tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep everything from drying out, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
