Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce Recipe
This Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini smothered in a savory meat sauce enriched with creamy heavy cream and topped with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that delivers rich flavor and satisfying textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil
For the Pasta
- Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (about 1 pound)
- Salt, for pasta water
For Finishing
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Crumble in the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook thoroughly until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then let the sauce simmer gently to develop flavors and thicken slightly.
- Cook the Tortellini: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions—typically 3 to 5 minutes for fresh or frozen tortellini. Once tender, drain the tortellini, reserving a bit of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Combine Sauce and Tortellini: Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half into the meat sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and luscious. Fold in the cooked tortellini gently to coat each piece. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce for a creamy and flavorful bite every time.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the tortellini.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness and a fresh finish to the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Cheese tortellini, meat sauce, creamy pasta, Italian dinner, comfort food, quick pasta recipe
