This colorful dish features yummy tortellini tossed with fresh sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. It’s a quick, tasty meal that’s both filling and nice to look at!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up on busy nights. Just cook the tortellini, sauté those veggies, and mix them together. Dinner is served, and everyone is happy! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Cheese Tortellini: Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini for a deliciously creamy base. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try corn or rice-based tortellini available at many grocery stores.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or even vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Zucchini: This adds a nice crunch. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash or even eggplant can work well too. Just make sure to dice them similarly for even cooking.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red and green bell peppers adds vibrant color. You can replace them with other sweet peppers or even sautéed mushrooms for a different taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dish a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use dried garlic powder, but reduce the amount slightly since it’s more concentrated.
Fresh Parsley: While parsley adds freshness, basil or cilantro can be a great alternative depending on your flavor preference.
How Can You Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables can be quick and rewarding, but it’s important to do it right so they stay vibrant and flavorful. Here’s a simple guide to master sautéing:
- Start by heating your skillet on medium heat before adding the oil. This helps to cook the vegetables evenly.
- After adding your oil, let it heat up for a moment before tossing in your veggies.
- Add harder vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers first, as they take longer to soften. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce softer vegetables like cherry tomatoes and corn later, sauté them until they’re tender, usually around 3-4 minutes.
- Keep stirring gently to allow even cooking and prevent the veggies from sticking or burning.
Don’t rush the process! Let them brown slightly for maximum flavor. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in around 25 minutes! 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. Add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until they are al dente. Once they’re done, drain the tortellini and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and vibrant.
3. Add the Remaining Veggies:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté everything for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn, until the tomatoes are soft and everything is nicely combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Gently toss everything together to combine, and season with salt, pepper, and the red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
5. Finish with Fresh Parsley:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color. This step really brightens the dish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tortellini warm, and if you’d like, top with some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta Instead of Tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds a unique flavor and texture, you can easily substitute it with any pasta you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose. For example, penne or fusilli will usually take around 10-12 minutes to cook.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Vegetables?
If you don’t have fresh vegetables available, frozen ones can work just as well. You can use frozen zucchini, bell peppers, or mixed vegetables. Just remember to thaw them before sautéing, or you can cook them in the skillet until they’re heated through and tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in individual portions. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of olive oil or a little water to help moisten the dish.
Can I Add More Protein to This Dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even canned beans like chickpeas or black beans are great additions for added protein. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in with the tortellini and vegetables before serving.
