Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes. This Creamy Mushroom Tortellini is a comfort food masterpiece that combines the earthy richness of sautéed mushrooms, the silky smoothness of heavy cream, and the delicate texture of perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and make dinnertime extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 340g (12 oz) tortellini or small pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 small brown onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 225g (8 oz) button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and softened, creating a flavor base for the dish.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Introduce minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms turn golden brown and become tender, releasing their rich, earthy flavor.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stock, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutritional boost to the dish.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and serve immediately while hot.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 480
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 32g
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. This Creamy Mushroom Tortellini is sure to become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire!