Print

Creamy Garlic Butter Tortellini Recipe Easy Homemade Parmesan Pasta

creamy garlic butter tortellini - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting creamy garlic butter tortellini with Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights. This easy homemade pasta dish features a rich, velvety sauce that clings to cheesy tortellini pockets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 ounces (250 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced finely
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ¾ cup (about 75 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Small handful fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 9 ounces (250 grams) of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving about ¼ cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons (42 grams) of unsalted butter. Once melted and slightly bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in ¾ cup (75 grams) of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Add the cooked tortellini directly into the sauce. Gently toss to coat every piece and cook together for another minute or two so the flavors meld.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Serve immediately. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of lemon juice for extra zing.

Notes

Do not overcook the tortellini to avoid mushiness. Sauté garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Keep heat medium-low when adding cream and cheese to prevent sauce breaking. Stir gently and consistently for a silky sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic butter tortellini, Parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, homemade pasta sauce

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/creamy-garlic-butter-tortellini-recipe-easy-homemade-parmesan-pasta/