This easy tortellini dish features delicious pasta filled with cheese, tossed with colorful sautéed vegetables. It’s quick to make and super tasty!
You can enjoy this meal in just about 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights. I love using what veggies I have on hand; it’s a fun mix every time! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: I love using cheese tortellini for its rich flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free tortellini or even a different pasta shape like rotini or penne.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great taste, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil if needed. Avocado oil is another nice choice for high heat cooking!
Vegetables: While zucchini is fantastic, you can swap it with bell peppers, asparagus, or even broccoli. The more colors, the better—each adds unique flavors!
Basil: Fresh basil brings brightness, but if it’s hard to find, dried basil works too. You could also use parsley or oregano for a different twist!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables is all about timing and temperature! To get that perfect texture, start with the onions and garlic as your base before adding other veggies.
- Heat your skillet and add the olive oil before sautéing!
- Cook the onions until they turn translucent, then add garlic for a fragrant base.
- Add veggies in stages: zucchini first, then tomatoes, and corn last, as they need the least cooking time.
- Keep stirring gently, so everything cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Season at the end, so the flavors stay fresh!
Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, whole
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the tortellini and sautéing the vegetables, plus a few extra minutes for stirring and serving. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm but cooked). After cooking, drain the tortellini and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic’s delicious aroma.
3. Add the Zucchini and Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the sliced zucchini and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the zucchini is slightly tender. After that, toss in the grape tomatoes and corn kernels. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and beginning to burst open.
4. Combine and Season:
Season the sautéed vegetables with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice. Then, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, cooking for an extra 1-2 minutes to heat through.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once everything is nicely combined, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top and gently toss again for an added burst of flavor. Serve your tortellini hot, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra treat!
Enjoy your colorful and flavorful tortellini with sautéed vegetables!
FAQ for Easy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as frozen tortellini may take a bit longer to cook than refrigerated ones. They can be cooked straight from the freezer without thawing!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize this dish! Bell peppers, spinach, asparagus, or even mushrooms work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose so they’re tender yet still vibrant.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the tortellini.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can! Use vegan tortellini and skip the Parmesan cheese. You can also replace the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. Add a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if you like!
