Save Tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce with fresh spinach for a comforting, restaurant-worthy pasta dish.
I first made this Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini when my family was craving a hearty, Italian-inspired meal but we wanted something easy and fast. It quickly became a staple for our busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Alfredo Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk, 100 g (1 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Vegetables: 120 g (4 cups) fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan (for serving), Freshly cracked black pepper, Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Start Alfredo Sauce:
- While the tortellini cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Dairy:
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add Cheese & Season:
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Spinach:
- Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine:
- Add the drained tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley if desired.
Save This creamy tortellini is a favorite around our dinner table, especially when we gather for a chilly weekend movie night. It disappears fast every time!
Pairing Suggestions
Serve this tortellini with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner. A simple side of roasted vegetables also works beautifully.
Variations
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. Sautéed mushrooms make a wonderful addition if you love extra texture.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 490 calories, 28 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein, making it a truly hearty vegetarian main dish.
Save Enjoy this cozy meal with the ones you love. It delivers comfort and flavor in every creamy forkful!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Cheese tortellini is preferred, as its tender texture and filling complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
- → How can I wilt the spinach without overcooking it?
Stir the fresh chopped spinach into the hot sauce just before combining with the pasta, allowing it to wilt gently for 1-2 minutes.
- → Can I substitute the heavy cream in the sauce?
For a lighter version, half-and-half may be used, although the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- → What adds depth of flavor to the Alfredo sauce?
Garlic sautéed in butter and a pinch of ground nutmeg provide aromatic warmth and complexity.
- → What garnishes complement this pasta dish?
Extra grated Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley add freshness and enhance the presentation.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook this meal?
The process takes around 30 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time.