Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini simmered in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines a savory butter and garlic base with chicken broth, cream, and cheeses to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
Sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (20-oz) package cheese tortellini, uncooked
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
Instructions
- Make sauce base: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat, then whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Make sauce: Return the skillet to medium-low heat. While whisking constantly, gradually add 3 cups of chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Then whisk in 1/2 cup cream, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt to taste (after tasting the sauce), and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Cook tortellini: Add the uncooked 20-ounce package of cheese tortellini directly into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is almost done—begin checking for doneness halfway through the package’s recommended cooking time. Add additional chicken broth as needed to keep the sauce at your desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Once the tortellini is nearly cooked through, remove the lid. Stir in 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper, and tweak the consistency by adding more broth or cream if too thick, or simmering uncovered for a few minutes if too thin. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Taste your broth and cheese before adding salt as both can vary in saltiness.
- Adjust liquid quantities to achieve preferred sauce thickness.
- Use fresh garlic for best aroma and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute half-and-half for cream for a lighter sauce.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
