Description
This Creamy Cheese Tortellini Alfredo is an easy and indulgent dish combining tender cheese tortellini with a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any day, it’s topped with garlic flavor and optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Tortellini
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely, ensuring it does not brown to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the Cream: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, for about 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground pepper according to your preference.
- Toss Tortellini in Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini back into the skillet. Gently toss until each piece is well coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the tortellini to serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- Do not let the cream boil vigorously to avoid curdling.
- You can add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley adds a fresh finish but is optional.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Cheese Tortellini Alfredo, Creamy Alfredo Sauce, Easy Italian Dinner, Quick Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta
