Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is an easy tortellini recipe that embodies the essence of summer. This dish features rich cheese tortellini combined with fresh sautéed zucchini, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and aromatic onion, all coated in a delicious herby marinara sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or a quick weeknight meal. The vibrant colors and flavors highlight seasonal produce, making this dish not just tasty but visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh vegetables and savory marinara sauce creates a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, this recipe easily adapts to your meal needs.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies and high in protein, it’s a nutritious choice for any occasion.
• Family Friendly: Kids love cheesy pasta! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies efficiently, having the right tools ready will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the tortellini evenly and ensuring they cook perfectly.
• 12-inch sauté pan: Ideal for cooking vegetables quickly while allowing enough space for tossing everything together.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients, helping to keep your kitchen organized.

Ingredients

An easy tortellini recipe! Made with rich cheese tortellini, fresh sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and onion, and 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, about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs, about 2 cups)
• 2 cups (12 oz) grape tomatoes
• 2 medium zucchini (sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced, about 1 Tbsp)

For the Sauce

• 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)

For Seasoning

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish

• 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 Tortellini

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini one minute shy of the time indicated on the package directions. While waiting for the water to boil, prep your vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Corn

Add corn kernels to the pan.
– Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes

Next, add grape tomatoes to the mixture.
– Sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5: Cook Zucchini and Garlic

Add sliced zucchini and minced garlic to the pan.
– Continue cooking until veggies are tender and many tomatoes have burst; this should take about 6 to 8 minutes.

Note that this is also when you should add the tortellini to your boiling water so they finish cooking at the same time.

Step 6: Drain Tortellini

Once cooked, drain the tortellini while reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Transfer drained tortellini along with marinara sauce into the pan with veggies.
– Toss everything together over low heat until heated through (about 1 to 2 minutes). If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in half of the parmesan cheese along with basil and parsley. Serve immediately by topping each portion with remaining parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies!

How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is simple and allows for creativity. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, these suggestions will enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top to elevate the flavor.
• Parsley: A dash of chopped parsley adds freshness and color.

Pair with a Crisp Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes complements the dish well.
• Caesar Salad: For something heartier, a Caesar salad provides a nice contrast to the tortellini.

Offer Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping in sauce.
• Baguette Slices: Crusty baguette slices can be served alongside to soak up extra marinara sauce.

Complement with Wine

• White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish.
• Rosé: Light and fruity rosé is another refreshing option for summer dining.

How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

To make your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies even better, consider these easy tips that enhance flavor and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables whenever possible for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
• Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for an extra kick.
• Try Different Cheeses: Mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for added richness.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, include cooked chicken or shrimp along with the veggies.
• Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best when served hot right after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Pairing side dishes with Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing side.
2. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a nice crunch and complements the tortellini well.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a hearty side full of flavor.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to savory tortellini.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cured meats, and cheeses creates an interesting starter before the main dish.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters bring additional veggie goodness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the salt in boiling water: Not adding salt to the boiling water can lead to bland tortellini. Always season your water well before cooking the pasta.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking veggies for too long can make them mushy. Sauté until just tender so they retain some crunch and freshness.
• Not reserving pasta water: Forgetting to save pasta water can limit your ability to adjust the sauce consistency. Always set aside a little before draining.
• Neglecting to taste and season: Failing to taste your dish before serving might result in under-seasoned food. Season with salt and pepper gradually as you cook.
• Using low-quality marinara sauce: A poor-quality sauce can diminish your dish’s overall flavor. Choose a high-quality marinara or make your own for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Ensure all air is removed before sealing.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, then add the tortellini mixture. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cheese tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cheese tortellini works perfectly! Just cook it according to package instructions and adjust cooking time as needed.

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

Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. These veggies complement the dish well!

How do I make this dish vegan-friendly?

To make a vegan version of Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, substitute cheese tortellini with plant-based options and omit parmesan cheese.

Can I prepare this tortellini dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the vegetables and marinara sauce in advance. Just combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe allows you to incorporate fresh summer produce while enjoying rich flavors. Feel free to customize it based on seasonal vegetables you have on hand or personal preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies recipe. This easy-to-make dish combines rich cheese tortellini with a medley of fresh sautéed zucchini, juicy grape tomatoes, sweet corn, and aromatic onion, all enveloped in a herby marinara sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Not only is it visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, but it’s also packed with nutrition and flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy a delightful meal that’s both quick to prepare and utterly satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 oz refrigerated three cheese tortellini
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs)
• 2 cups grape tomatoes
• 2 medium zucchini (sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh basil and parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook tortellini according to package instructions until one minute shy of done.
2. In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add onion, and sauté for about 3 minutes.
3. Add corn and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in grape tomatoes and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
5. Add zucchini and garlic; continue cooking until veggies are tender (about 6–8 minutes).
6. Drain tortellini, reserving some pasta water, then combine with the sautéed veggies and marinara sauce in the pan.
7. Toss over low heat until heated through; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
8. Season with salt and pepper, mix in half the parmesan cheese, basil, and parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 20mg