Description
This creamy spinach mushroom tortellini dish combines tender cheese tortellini with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. It’s an easy and comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for a weeknight dinner that delivers both flavor and elegance in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound (450g) cheese tortellini
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach
Dairy & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Wilt the spinach: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, stirring frequently to combine with the mushrooms and garlic mixture.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired.
- Combine tortellini and caramelized onions: Return the cooked tortellini and caramelized onions to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh cheese tortellini for the best texture and flavor; frozen can also be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Caramelizing onions slowly enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Grated Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a saltier, tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
