This easy tortellini dish is a crowd-pleaser! It combines cheesy tortellini with colorful, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, creating a tasty meal ready in no time.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a quick meal that looks fancy? I love tossing in whatever veggies are in my fridge. It’s a fun way to clean up and make dinner delicious at the same time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here! You can use fresh or frozen, depending on what’s available. If you want to switch it up, try using spinach or mushroom tortellini for added flavor.
Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes add sweetness and color! If they’re out of season or you want to save time, canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
Zucchini: This veggie is very versatile and adds great texture. If you don’t have zucchini, you could use bell peppers or asparagus instead.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious but frozen corn saves prep time and works perfectly. Canned corn can also be used; just drain it before adding.
Basil: Fresh basil gives a lovely aroma. If you don’t have any, you can skip it or use dried basil, but fresh is always best in this case!
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Without Overcooking Them?
Sautéing vegetables properly is key to keeping them crisp and bright in color. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep your heat medium to medium-high; this helps cook the veggies without burning them.
- Add your onions first as they need more time to soften. After a few minutes, add garlic for flavor.
- Once onions are translucent, add harder veggies like zucchini and corn. They need a bit more time than softer ones.
- Lastly, add softer items like tomatoes; they only need a couple of minutes to soften up.
By adding veggies in stages, you ensure each one is cooked to perfection. Enjoy your delicious tortellini dish!
How to Make Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 package (about 9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup tomato sauce or marinara (for light coating)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the tortellini and the rest sautéing the vegetables and mixing everything together. It’s quick, healthy, and delicious—perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain it well and set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Cook the Zucchini and Corn:
Next, add the sliced zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet. Sauté these together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the corn starts to turn a bit golden. This will bring out their natural sweetness!
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Toss in the halved tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften. They’ll add a fresh burst of flavor to the dish.
5. Combine Tortellini with Vegetables:
Now, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. If you’re using tomato sauce, go ahead and add that too. Gently stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
6. Season and Garnish:
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Then, stir in the chopped fresh basil for that lovely herbal note. Once everything is well combined, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with extra basil and sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top if desired. Serve it warm and enjoy your colorful, healthy meal!
This easy tortellini dish is perfect for a quick dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, asparagus, or even broccoli make great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to how long those veggies take to become tender.
Is This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian! Just make sure to use a cheese tortellini that is suitable for your dietary preferences. Most store-bought varieties are vegetarian, but it’s always good to double-check the label.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of olive oil or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
For a meal prep option, you can sauté the vegetables and cook the tortellini ahead of time. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat, adding the basil and seasoning right before serving to keep everything fresh!
