Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

An easy recipe for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies makes a delightful summer dish that combines rich cheese tortellini with fresh, sautéed vegetables. This vibrant meal is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal. Its unique blend of flavors from the herby marinara sauce and seasonal veggies highlights the freshness of summer produce, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 30 minutes of total cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of cheese tortellini and sautéed veggies creates a deliciously rich and satisfying dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutritious vegetables, this dish offers a lighter meal choice without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy cheese tortellini appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, you will need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the tortellini quickly and efficiently.
• 12-inch sauté pan: Ideal for evenly cooking the vegetables while providing enough space for mixing in the tortellini.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife speeds up the prep work by allowing clean cuts through vegetables.

Ingredients

An easy tortellini recipe! Made with rich cheese tortellini, fresh sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and onion, it’s all coated in an herby marinara sauce. Quite easily a perfect summer dish!

For the Tortellini

• 20 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini

For the Vegetables

• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped (1 1/2 cups))
• 2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs (about 2 cups))
• 2 cups (12 oz) grape tomatoes
• 2 medium (12 oz total) zucchini (sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick))
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbsp)

For the Sauce

• 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)
• Salt (and freshly ground black pepper)
• 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Step 1: Boil the Water

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions, but stop one minute shy of the suggested cook time. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Corn

In a 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
1. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in corn kernels and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Zucchini

Add grape tomatoes to the pan. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they start to burst.
1. Then add sliced zucchini and minced garlic.
2. Cook until all veggies are tender, which should take around 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Tortellini and Sauce

When your tortellini are ready, drain them while reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
1. Transfer drained tortellini into the pan with sautéed vegetables.
2. Pour in marinara sauce and gently toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste.
1. Toss in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese along with chopped basil and parsley.
2. Serve immediately while topping individual servings with remaining parmesan.

Enjoy your delicious Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies!

How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is all about enhancing the dish while maintaining its fresh, vibrant flavors. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement your meal.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a classic pairing that adds a savory touch and helps soak up the delicious marinara sauce.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich tortellini.

Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the tortellini adds a sweet and tangy flavor that elevates the dish.

Serve with Grilled Chicken

• Grilled Chicken Breast: For those who prefer protein, grilled chicken breast can be served on the side for added heartiness.

Garnish with Extra Herbs

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle additional chopped basil or parsley on top for an aromatic finish that enhances visual appeal.

Offer Parmesan on the Side

• Parmesan Cheese: Provide extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table, allowing everyone to add their desired amount to their servings.

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How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

To make your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Choose seasonal veggies for the best flavor and texture. Fresh zucchini and ripe tomatoes make all the difference.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Follow package instructions carefully and aim for al dente tortellini. This ensures they hold their shape and texture in the dish.

• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your dish seems too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your preferred consistency.

• Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to tweak salt and pepper levels according to your taste preferences. Additional herbs can also enhance flavor.

• Serve Immediately: For optimal taste and texture, serve this dish right after cooking so that everything stays warm and fresh.

• Store Properly for Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently to preserve flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Pairing side dishes with Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a light and flavorful side.

2. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds a crispy texture that complements the creamy tortellini well.

3. Pesto Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella offers another layer of Italian flavor.

4. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli brings nutrition and color to your plate while balancing out richness.

5. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters provide a fun twist using similar ingredients from your main dish.

6. Italian Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an enticing starter or side.

7. Crispy Polenta Fries: These golden fries add crunch and are perfect for dipping into any leftover marinara sauce.

8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to savory dishes while keeping it light during summer months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.

• Using overcooked tortellini: Overcooking can make the tortellini mushy. Follow the package instructions and cook them just shy of the recommended time.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoned dishes can be bland. Make sure to season with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process to enhance flavors.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the dish. Don’t skip the basil and parsley; add them right before serving for maximum flavor.
• Neglecting pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce. Reserve some before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• Ignoring vegetable doneness: Cooking vegetables unevenly can lead to texture issues. Ensure all veggies are tender and cooked through for a balanced dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring often until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies.

Can I use frozen cheese tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well too. Just follow package instructions for cooking time.

What other vegetables can I add to Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies?

You can add bell peppers, spinach, or even asparagus for more variety and color.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What is the best way to serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies?

Serve it warm topped with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep vegetables and cook tortellini ahead of time. Combine everything when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful and versatile dish that highlights seasonal produce while being quick to prepare. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. Try this recipe today for a delicious summer meal!