This tasty dish features soft tortellini paired with colorful sautéed veggies. It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is a fantastic choice for a quick meal. Fresh tortellini cooks faster, but if you’re using frozen, it’s just as tasty. You can swap it with any pasta you like, such as penne or fettuccine, if tortellini isn’t available.
Zucchini: If zucchini isn’t your favorite, feel free to use bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli! Each will add its own flair and flavor to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Substitute with any other tomatoes you have. Regular tomatoes can be chopped up, or you could use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and crisp, but frozen corn works well too. If you want to skip corn altogether, peas or diced carrots could also do the trick!
Marinara Sauce: This adds moisture and flavor. You can use any tomato sauce or even a pesto for a twist! Remember to check if it’s chunky or smooth, as this may change the texture slightly.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing is quick and easy, but it does take a little technique to get it right. Here’s how you can make sure your veggies come out tasty and well-cooked.
- Start with a hot skillet! Heat your olive oil until it shimmers but isn’t smoking.
- Add the onion first, as it takes longer to cook. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t rush when adding garlic; it cooks quickly. Keep it in for just 30 seconds to avoid burning.
- Add veggies from firm to soft – zucchini first, then tomatoes and corn. This way, everything is tender without being mushy.
- Give them enough space in the skillet so they sauté evenly. Adding too many at once can steam them instead!
Following these tips will help you get delicious, colorful veggies in your dish every time! Happy cooking!
Quick Tortellini with Sautéed Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved if large
- 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (usually around 3-5 minutes). Once done, drain the tortellini and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onion:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. This will give a delicious base flavor to your dish!
3. Add Garlic and Zucchini:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the zucchini slices and sauté for around 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften up a bit.
4. Stir in the Veggies:
It’s time to add some color! Add the cherry tomatoes and corn kernels to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to blister slightly and release their juices. This adds great flavor!
5. Combine with Sauce:
Now pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine everything nicely. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and let it gently simmer for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
6. Toss with Tortellini:
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss everything together gently. You want the tortellini to be well coated in that delicious sauce and mixed in with the veggies.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm, and don’t hesitate to add some grated Parmesan cheese if you like for an extra tasty finish!
Enjoy your colorful, flavorful tortellini with quickly sautéed vegetables!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions. It may take a minute or two longer than fresh tortellini, so keep an eye on it until it’s al dente.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to mix and match your vegetables! Bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, or even asparagus can make great additions. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the veggies you choose, adding firmer vegetables first to allow for proper cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or additional sauce if it seems dry!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! Just substitute the cheese tortellini with a vegan version, and use a marinara sauce that doesn’t contain any cheese. You can also boost flavor with nutritional yeast if you like! Enjoy your vegan twist!
