Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful summer dish that combines rich cheese tortellini with vibrant seasonal vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. With its colorful ingredients and herby marinara sauce, it brings a burst of flavor to your table while being light enough for hot days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Loaded with seasonal veggies like zucchini and corn, each bite is a taste of summer.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy tortellini and colorful veggies.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, it adapts well to any meal occasion.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, it’s a great way to add more greens to your diet.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this delicious Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the tortellini without overcrowding them.
- 12-inch sauté pan: Provides ample space for cooking vegetables evenly without steaming them.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
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) (1 1/2 cups)
- 2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs) (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups (12 oz) grape tomatoes
- 2 medium (12 oz total) zucchini (sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced) (1 Tbsp)
For the Sauce and Toppings
- 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 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. Add the tortellini and cook them for one minute less than the package directions recommend. While waiting for the water to boil, you can prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Corn
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.
Add corn kernels and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Zucchini
Next, add grape tomatoes to the pan.
Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.
Then add sliced zucchini and minced garlic. Continue cooking until veggies are tender and many tomatoes have burst, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Tortellini with Vegetables
Drain the cooked tortellini while reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Transfer the drained tortellini into the pan with vegetables along with marinara sauce.
Cook everything together for about 1-2 minutes until well mixed. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese along with chopped basil and parsley before serving.
Serve immediately, topped with remaining parmesan cheese.
Enjoy this vibrant Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies as a refreshing meal that captures the essence of summer!
How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Cheese tortellini with summer veggies is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caprese Salad: Combine fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing side.
- Greek Salad: Toss together cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and red onion for a tangy complement.
Add a Slice of Garlic Bread
- Toasted Baguette: Serve slices of toasted baguette brushed with garlic butter for that perfect crunch.
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Offer soft breadsticks topped with cheese and garlic for an indulgent treat.
Drizzle with Extra Sauce
- Herbed Olive Oil: A drizzle of herbed olive oil can elevate the dish with additional flavor.
- Spicy Marinara: For those who enjoy heat, serve extra spicy marinara on the side.
Garnish Creatively
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving for added color and aroma.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
To achieve the best results with your cheese tortellini and summer veggies, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for seasonal vegetables to maximize flavor and freshness.
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Cook the tortellini just shy of the package instructions to keep them firm.
- Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: Select a gourmet marinara sauce for richer taste in your dish.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to include additional spices like red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish hot for the best texture and taste experience.
Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Pairing side dishes enhances your meal’s appeal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a smoky flavor that complements the tortellini well.
- Roasted Bell Peppers – Colorful roasted peppers bring sweetness and vibrant color to your plate.
- Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette allows the tortellini to shine while adding freshness.
- Steamed Broccoli – Healthy steamed broccoli provides crunch and pairs perfectly with pasta dishes.
- Antipasto Platter – An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and olives offers variety and richness alongside the main dish.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn enhances the summer theme of this meal while being easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best recipes can go awry if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies.
- Skipping the salt: Not salting the pasta water can lead to bland tortellini. Always add a generous pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Overcooking the veggies: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until tender to keep them vibrant and flavorful.
- Not reserving pasta water: Forgetting to save some pasta water means missing out on an easy way to adjust sauce consistency. Always reserve a little before draining.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or old vegetables can ruin the dish. Choose fresh, in-season produce for the best taste and nutrition.
- Rushing the cooking process: Trying to hurry through cooking can lead to uneven results. Take your time for better flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use frozen tortellini for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just follow package instructions for cooking times.
What other vegetables work well in this dish?
You can add bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach for additional color and nutrients.
Is Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies vegetarian?
Absolutely! This dish is completely meat-free and packed with delicious veggies.
How do I customize Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies?
Feel free to swap out veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand!
Final Thoughts
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful summer dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy the fresh flavors of summer!
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of summer, combining creamy cheese-filled tortellini with an array of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The herby marinara sauce adds a burst of flavor while keeping the meal light and refreshing. Enjoy this colorful pasta dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the tortellini for one minute less than package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add corn and cook for an additional two minutes.
- Add tomatoes, zucchini, and garlic to the pan; cook until veggies are tender and tomatoes begin to burst.
- Combine drained tortellini with the vegetable mixture and add marinara sauce. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in 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 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
