This easy tortellini dish is packed with flavor and color! Chewy tortellini, tossed with fresh veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, makes for a quick and tasty meal.
Sometimes, I sneak extra veggies in just to make it even healthier! 😉 Cook the tortellini, sauté those veggies, and you have a yummy dinner ready in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: The star of this dish! I prefer cheese tortellini, but you can use spinach or mushroom-filled ones for extra flavor. If you’re avoiding pasta, try using zucchini noodles or any gluten-free tortellini.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and keeps the vegetables from sticking. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil or even butter works well too!
Zucchini: A great veggie for this dish. If zucchini isn’t in season, you can swap it out for bell peppers or asparagus, which are also delicious.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but frozen corn is just as good and convenient. You could also use peas if that’s what you have on hand.
Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes are sweet and burst in your mouth. If you don’t have these, you can use a can of diced tomatoes; just drain them first.
Marinara Sauce: This adds moisture and flavor. If you want to keep things light, you could also toss everything with a splash of vegetable broth or a simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice instead.
How Do You Get Perfectly Sautéed Veggies?
Sautéing veggies is simple, but a few tips can make a big difference. The goal is to cook them so they’re tender but still maintain some crunch.
- Start with the onions; they take the longest to soften. Cook them for a few minutes until they’re translucent.
- Add garlic next, but watch it closely; it cooks quickly and can burn.
- Then, add the veggies that take longer to cook, like zucchini. Give them about 4-5 minutes in the pan until they’re tender-crisp.
- Finally, toss in quick-cooking ingredients like tomatoes. Just a couple of minutes will do!
Remember to keep stirring so nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly. Enjoy your colorful veggie medley!
Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy tortellini dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the tortellini and sautéing the veggies while everything comes together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Cook the Veggies:
Now, toss in the sliced zucchini and corn kernels. Sauté them together for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have some crunch.
5. Add Tomatoes:
Stir in the grape or cherry tomatoes and let them cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften and burst a little.
6. Mix in Marinara Sauce:
Pour in the marinara or tomato sauce, giving everything a gentle stir. Cook it for about 1 minute just to heat through.
7. Combine with Tortellini:
Add the cooked tortellini back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine and ensure the tortellini gets fully coated in that delicious sauce.
8. Season and Garnish:
Season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once it’s well combined, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your colorful and flavorful tortellini dish is ready to be served! Enjoy it warm as a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Enjoy your colorful, flavorful, and easy tortellini with sautéed veggies!
FAQ for Easy Tortellini With Sautéed Veggies
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini is a great option. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, increasing the boil time slightly if needed, and then proceed with the sautéing steps as usual!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this dish with your favorite vegetables! Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time based on how long each vegetable takes to become tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Sure thing! You can use a vegan variety of tortellini and swap the marinara sauce for a plant-based sauce. Just make sure all your ingredients are labeled vegan!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to moisten it when reheating!
