Cheese Tortellini Recipe with Spinach Garnish

 Cheese Tortellini Recipe with Spinach Garnish

Ingredients

(Serves 2):

For the main course: 250g cheese tortellini (fresh or dried)

200g fresh spinach (washed and trimmed of the thickest stems)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1/2 small onion (finely chopped, optional)

100ml heavy cream (or heavy cream)

50g grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Nutmeg (a pinch, optional)

Optional for serving

: Fresh basil leaves

More grated Parmesan

Pine nuts or toasted walnuts (for a crunchy touch)

Instructions:

Cook the tortellini:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the tortellini according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 8-10 minutes for dried tortellini). Drain and reserve, keeping some of the cooking water (about 1/2 cup).

Prepare the spinach garnish:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the onion (if using) and sauté until translucent (about 2 minutes).

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add the fresh spinach gradually, stirring until completely wilted (2-3 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired.

Assemble the sauce:

In the same skillet with the spinach, add the cream and stir well.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved tortellini cooking water to adjust the consistency. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and a creamy sauce forms.

Toss the tortellini:

Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the spinach sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.

Heat for 1-2 minutes, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Serve: Serve the tortellini warm, garnished with more grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and, if desired, pine nuts or toasted walnuts for an extra touch.