Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy cheese tortellini with meat sauce is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining rich, savory flavors with tender pasta, it’s a dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, crumbling it into the pan. Cook thoroughly until browned, then drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning or fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer gently to combine the flavors and thicken slightly.
4. Step 4: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat of the sauce to medium-low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, allowing the sauce to become creamy and smooth.
6. Step 6: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the tortellini evenly.
7. Step 7: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley on top. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it simmers.
• Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for a richer taste.
• Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option with a subtle twist.
• If you like a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer before adding the cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just follow the package cooking instructions and add a minute or two to the boiling time if needed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy milk like coconut milk depending on your preference. Just note that lighter dairy options will result in a less rich sauce.

Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and delicious recipe featuring tender cheese tortellini simmered in a rich, creamy meat sauce made with ground beef or Italian sausage, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that combines the creaminess of cheese with the robust flavors of a tomato-based meat sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini

Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then crumble in the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook thoroughly until browned, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning or fresh basil. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Cook the Tortellini: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3 to 5 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain the tortellini, reserving a small amount of the pasta cooking water.
4. Combine Sauce and Tortellini: Lower the heat of the meat sauce to medium-low. Slowly stir in heavy cream or half-and-half, mixing continuously until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure the pasta is fully coated.
5. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce for a luscious, creamy finish.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
• For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Reserved pasta water helps to adjust the consistency of the sauce and helps it cling better to the tortellini.
• Fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor—feel free to experiment with either herb.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: cheese tortellini, creamy meat sauce, Italian sausage, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta, Italian comfort food