This delicious dish brings together cheesy tortellini and colorful, sautéed veggies. It’s quick to make and perfect for a busy night!
You’ll love how the veggies add crunch and flavor to the tender pasta. I always sneak in my favorite vegetables—who knew eating healthy could be so tasty? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here. You can use fresh or frozen, but you can also swap it for frozen ravioli or any stuffed pasta you like.
Zucchini: It’s great in this dish, but if you don’t have any, yellow squash works well too. You could also use bell peppers for a different flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness adds brightness. If they aren’t available, regular diced tomatoes can be used, just make sure to reduce the cooking time.
Corn: Fresh or frozen corn is perfect. In a pinch, canned corn can work, but make sure to drain it well. I often opt for frozen for the convenience.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil can be used, but only half the amount since it’s more potent.
How Do I Sauté Veggies Perfectly?
Sautéing veggies seems simple, but there are a few tricks to make them shine. Start with the onions, as they take longer to become soft. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat—don’t rush this.
- Add onions first and cook until they become translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
- Then, stir in garlic and cook until fragrant but not burned (about 30 seconds).
- Add the sturdier veggies like zucchini and corn next, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Finally, throw in the softer veggies like tomatoes for a quick finish.
By layering in this way, you’ll have perfectly cooked veggies with different textures!
Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 9-10 oz) of cheese tortellini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, whole or halved
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 3-5 minutes for cooking the tortellini. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 3-5 minutes), until the pasta is al dente. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set it aside for now.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the tortellini is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
3. Add the Remaining Veggies:
Next, toss in the zucchini slices and corn kernels. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and starting to brown. After that, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they soften up.
4. Combine Tortellini and Veggies:
If you’re using marinara or tomato sauce, stir it in now to coat the veggies nicely. Let everything cook together until warmed through. Then, gently fold in the cooked tortellini, making sure everything is well combined.
5. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for added flavor. Serve the dish hot, and add grated Parmesan cheese if you like that extra cheesy goodness!
Enjoy this colorful, quick meal, perfect for any night of the week! 🥗
FAQ for Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Veggies
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen tortellini according to package instructions, usually a little longer than fresh. No need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll cook perfectly in the boiling water.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in This Recipe?
You can easily swap out the zucchini and corn for any of your favorite veggies! Bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.
Can This Dish Be Made Vegan?
Yes! Just replace the cheese tortellini with a vegan version and omit the Parmesan cheese at the end. You can also use a plant-based sauce if you prefer instead of marinara.
