This dish is all about tasty tortellini mixed with colorful, sautéed veggies! It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect meal after a busy day.
Honestly, every bite feels like a celebration of veggies! I love to add a sprinkle of cheese on top. It’s so easy, even on my laziest days, I feel like a chef!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini adds a nice richness. If you want a healthier option, try whole grain or spinach tortellini. For a gluten-free meal, look for gluten-free varieties available in most stores.
Vegetables: Zucchini and cherry tomatoes are my favorites for their sweet and fresh flavors. You can swap zucchini for bell peppers or asparagus, and if cherry tomatoes aren’t in season, use canned diced tomatoes instead.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. You can replace it with avocado oil if you want a neutral taste or canola oil for lower cost without sacrificing too much flavor.
Herbs: Fresh basil is fantastic in this dish, but if you have dried herbs, they work too! If you’re out of oregano, you could use thyme or rosemary for a different flavor.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables to Keep Them Crunchy?
Sautéing can be tricky if you want your veggies to stay crunchy while still cooking through. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium heat; too high and the veggies can burn.
- Add oil and let it shimmer, then toss in onions first, as they take longer to soften.
- Stir occasionally to avoid burning but give them time to brown. This should take 3-4 minutes.
- Add more hearty vegetables like zucchini and corn next since they need more time.
- Lastly, add softer veggies like cherry tomatoes towards the end to keep their shape.
- Remember, don’t overcook; about 5-7 minutes for the tougher veggies is just right.
Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (9-12 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced into thin ribbons
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take you about 20 minutes! It includes around 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and about 10 minutes to cook. You’ll have a flavorful dish ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once they’re done, drain the tortellini and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Onions:
While the tortellini cooks, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they look soft and translucent. This will add a lovely base flavor!
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be sure to stir frequently so that the garlic doesn’t burn.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the sliced zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir them occasionally and cook until the zucchini is tender and the corn gets a light brown color. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes and Season:
After those veggies are cooked, toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and blister a bit. Then, sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring everything together.
6. Combine with Tortellini:
Now, add the drained tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine and heat through for about 1-2 minutes. You want all those lovely flavors to mix!
7. Finish Off with Fresh Herbs:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil and parsley for that extra freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your colorful dish to a serving platter or bowl, and sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese if you’d like. Serve it warm, and enjoy this tasty and quick meal!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen tortellini without any issues. Just cook them according to the package instructions, adding an extra minute or two if necessary since frozen tortellini may take a bit longer to soften.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms all work beautifully in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, adding them in the order of how long they take to cook.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help revive the dish and keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply use plant-based tortellini and skip the cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavors will still shine through!
