Tortellini with Creamy Tomato Sauce

4.88 from 25 votes

A delicious, real food dinner in just 15 minutes! The tortellini cook right in the sauce for a true one pan wonder with rich flavor.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Main, Pasta

Cuisine: American

Keyword: sauce for tortellini, tortellini in tomato sauce

Servings:

Calories: 493kcal

Author: Monica Lensink

Melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. (Be sure to use a skillet with a lid.) Add garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant.
1 Tablespoon butter, 2-3 cloves garlic, 2 Tablespoons tomato paste, pinch red pepper flakes
Add the tomato sauce, broth, and Italian seasoning, then stir well until the tomato paste is dissolved. Stir in cream or half and half, then sample and add salt and pepper to taste.
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half, kosher salt & black pepper
Stir in tortellini, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes. Test a tortellini; if it is tender, remove from the heat and serve, but if it needs a few more minutes, return the lid and continue cooking as needed, checking every minute or so.
18 ounces refrigerated tortellini
Serve right away with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy!
fresh grated Parmesan and basil

This makes a generous four helpings; if serving as a side dish or to kids, it will probably stretch to 5-6 servings.
If the sauce becomes too thick while the tortellini are cooking, or while reheating, stir in another 1-2 tablespoons of broth or water as needed.